The Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) has arrested a 20-year-old male suspect in connection with the fatal accident involving a Cook Islands national in Honiara on December 3rd.

Francis Emosi Fred Puni, of Cook Islands and Samoan descent, tragically passed away as a result of the accident in the Bahai area. He was 48 years old.

Francis is the son of Dr Teremoana Puni nee Tupa from Rarotonga, and Dr Emosi Puni from Samoa, and brother of local resident medical practitioner, Dr Teariki Puni, who was Team Cook Islands doctor to the Pacific Games. He is survived by his four children.

Francis was in the Solomon Islands to visit his brother. Teariki has stayed back in Honiara waiting for the release of his beloved brother’s body.

Francis was a pilot with Air Niugini in Papua New Guinea where he was employed for more than 15 years. Air Niugini has requested for his body to be taken to Papua New Guinea for a funeral service.

His body will leave Honiara this weekend for PNG, then onto Samoa for his final burial.

Royal Solomon Island Police Force Superintendent William Foufaka told SIBC News that police have arrested a 20-year-old male suspect. The suspect’s name has been withheld due to security reasons.

Investigations are ongoing and police officers are working on gathering all information related to the accident.

Foufaka said the deceased was with a friend in front of the fish and chips shop at the Bahai seaside area when he got hit by the suspect on Sunday morning.

According to the Police Media Unit, the vehicle was travelling in an easterly direction at high speed with the suspect allegedly under the influence of alcohol.

As the vehicle reached Saru beach it veered from the road, hit the rail outside from the low lane which pushed the vehicle back to the high lane.

“The vehicle, still moving at the same speed then hit the island at the St. Nicholas Junction resulting in the vehicle to leap and hit the rail outside of the low lane again and hit the deceased,” reported SIBC.

Hundreds of tributes and messages of condolences have been posted online for the Puni family.

In a statement, Cook Islands Sports National Olympic Committee (CISNOC) said: “On behalf of the CISNOC Board, staff, and all our National Federation members, we want to express our heartfelt sympathy during this difficult time. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May you find strength and solace in the cherished memories you shared with your brother. In this time of sorrow, we stand united as a sports community, offering our support and extending our sincerest condolences.”

Pilots in PNG have also posted online messages with sympathy which include: “This is such sad news, and a tragic way to go after enjoying a successful Aviation career; Sincere condolences to Fred's family and you all can rest assured knowing that Fred was loved by so many Aviation folks - Vale our loyal PNG Wantok; A great guy, wonderful to fly with and very astute - taken too soon.”