A Cook Islands national has died in a traffic incident in Honiara. Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee (CISNOC) and the Pacific Games organising committee both released statements over the weekend.

In a statement, released on Saturday, Cook Islands time, the games organising committee said the victim was not part of Cook Islands team

“The Sol2023 Pacific Games Organising Committee (GOC) wishes to convey its sincerest condolences to the government and the people of Cook Islands on the loss of one of its citizens in a traffic accident in Honiara this morning,” the statement read.

“The unfortunate incident which is currently under Police investigations occurred at a popular fish and chips outlet at Kukum highway, the early hours of this morning.

“GOC also wishes to clarify that the victim was not an athlete, team official or part of the Cook Islands Pacific Games Association (PGA) that attended the recently concluded Sol2023 Pacific Games.

“GOC Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Peter Stewart confirmed that the victim was from Cook Islands, however, he was not an athlete or a team official as has been previously reported and circulated on social media.”

He clarified that the victim was in Honiara visiting his brother who was part of the Cook Islands team, adding that the victim had no direct affiliation with the Cook Islands PGA, and was in the Solomon Islands as a visitor.

The statement said GOC was providing support to the Cook Islands PGA, and in the meantime called on the public to respect the privacy of the victim and allow Police investigations to continue.

In a statement, Cook Islands Sports said: “It is with heavy hearts that we extend our deepest condolences to Dr (Teariki) Puni (affectionately known as Doc) and his family on the unexpected passing of his beloved brother in Honiara.

“On behalf of the 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.”