The people of the village of Mutalau are still coming to terms with the sudden loss of their former Deputy Chair of the Village Council Edward Patrick Sietu affectionately known to all as Aki or Etu. He was 34 years old.
BCN News understands Mr. Sietu passed away due to complications caused by pneumonia. He was admitted to the Niuefoou hospital on Sunday afternoon but his condition had already deteriorated.
Hospital sources want to make clear that Mr. Sietu was not infected with Covid-19 as Niue remains with zero community cases of the virus.
According to hospital sources plans were in place for a medivac to New Zealand yesterday but sadly he passed away yesterday morning surrounded by his loved ones.
Edward Sietu was first elected to the Mutalau Village council as a 25-year-old in 2012.
From 2018-to 2021 he was the Deputy Chairperson of the village council.
He served three terms as a member of the Mutalau Village Council last year.
Edward Patrick Sietu was the son of Pete Sietu and her late husband Etuata Sietu.
He was the long-time partner of Sergeant Juliana ‘Dana’ Tongahai.
His funeral will be held in two weeks’ time when his mother returns from New Zealand.
BCN News extends our deepest sympathies to his family and friends here in Niue and abroad at the very sad loss of a young man.