Hundreds turn up to farewell fighter
Hundreds of mourners said a final goodbye to fallen mixed-martial arts fighter Fau Vake yesterday.
The 25-year-old died at the weekend — a week after allegedly being assaulted in central Auckland early on Sunday, May 16.
At a funeral service at the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga Tuingapapai in Favona, family, friends and many within the mixedmartial arts community gathered to hear tributes to Vake.
The service, livestreamed online, showed a black casket decked with the Coat of Arms of Tonga and the symbol of his beloved gym, City Kickboxing. Many mourners wore traditional Tongan mats, according to cultural protocol.
Those at the funeral included some of New Zealand’s top MMA athletes — including champion fighter Israel Adesanya.
Mourners heard of a young man who worked hard at his craft alongside his brothers, who also took up the sport.
The former Kelston Boys’ High student was a devoted partner to Chrissy and had a big heart for his family — particularly for his mother, Luisa, whom he named his 3-yearold daughter after. His big smile was only matched by that of his little girl, those gathered heard.
Relatives spoke of a kind man always quick to offer a hand. But they also spoke of heartbreak. One cousin said they had cried out to God for a miracle, praying for seven days as Vake lay critically ill at Auckland City Hospital that he would live. But it was not to be.
The minister at the service acknowledged the loss of losing someone so young and someone who had much to live for.
But he told mourners to remember Vake was now free from pain.
“Liufau is truly, truly free now.” He called Vake a champion. Friends have set up a Givealittle page to help the family. By last night, nearly $50,000 had been raised.
Police are due to lay more charges in relation to the incident that led to his death. Four men have been charged and appeared in the Auckland District Court on the Monday. Two are charged with common assault, another with two counts of assaulting with intent to injure and the other charged with wounding with intent and injuring with intent.
It is understood any additional charges will be filed before the next court date on June 8.