Taniela Finau Hafoka Malekamu, a devoted father and a resident of West Valley City, Utah, tragically lost his life in a heart-wrenching accident. The late Finau was at work during a break when a devastating incident occurred—a drunk driver swerved onto the wrong side of the road and struck him. In an act of heroic selflessness, Finau managed to save a coworker by pushing him out of the way, sacrificing his own safety in the process.
Finau leaves behind a grieving family, including his wife, Ilemaile Hafoka Malekamu, who is seven months pregnant, and their three young children: three-year-old Pauline Pomikanite Malekamu, two-year-old Meleseini Ella Malekamu, and eleven-month-old Waiki Tulilotu Malekamu. The family had already been coping with the recent loss of Ilemaile’s father just five months prior, adding to their profound sorrow.
In response to this tragedy, Maleini Tanaki, Finau’s sister-in-law, has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to cover the funeral expenses and provide financial support for Ilemaile and the children. The fundraiser has garnered significant attention, raising $1,275 of its $5,000 goal with contributions from 19 donors. Among the contributors are Joana Rico-Lopez, who recently donated $20, and an anonymous donor who contributed $200, marking the top donation.
Maleini Tanaki expressed deep gratitude for the overwhelming support from the community, stating, "A GoFundMe has been highly requested so I created one for my sister and her family. I greatly appreciate the amount of support being shown to them at this difficult time and it hasn’t gone unnoticed. Finau is truly loved and missed. And the village is showing up to hold his family high."
This GoFundMe campaign not only seeks to alleviate the immediate financial burdens faced by the family but also to honor Finau’s legacy as a selfless individual who always prioritized the well-being of others. As the family and community mourn the loss of such a heroic figure, the support extended through these donations reflects a collective effort to uphold the family during their time of need.
Note:This post was written and edited by Eleanor Moore, based on their expertise and research. It is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. We welcome your feedback and questions on this content. Please feel free to contact us.