Two separate disasters —an aviation and a natural one— claimed the lives of three people while a tragic traffic accident in Satala, claimed one life in American Samoa for 2014, the year that also saw the loss of traditional leaders, a cabinet director and other family and friends dear to us.

The aviation disaster, which occurred the evening of July 23, put American Samoa in the spotlight with international news coverage, when a single engine plane piloted by 17-year old Haris Suleman, accompanied by his pilot father, Barber Suleman, crashed just minutes after taking off from Pago Pago International Airport.

While Haris’ remains were recovered after the crash, the remains of Barber are still missing. The father and son were close to the final leg of their trip around the world to set a world record, which ended in tragedy.

A few days after the plane crash came severe storms, flooding and mudslides, which cost in excess of $3 million in damages and claimed the life of 17-year old high school student Vaeina Maualalo, who was swept out to sea from a stream in Fagaalu during the heavy rains.

Prior to the two disasters, a tragic accident in April claimed the life of a 49-year truck driver from Vatia who died after a container truck ran over him, as the vehicle rolled down a hill in an area near Satala.

For the Lolo Administration, the governor lost a cabinet director in June with the passing of ASG Treasurer Dr. Falema’o ‘Phil’ M. Pili while he was in Utah. He had been serving as Treasurer since early last year and he was also a former lawmaker.

In August, the Legislature bid farewell to Sen. Faumuina Tagisiaali’i who passed away in Toledo, Ohio where he was visiting family members when he was taken to the hospital where he died.

For 2014, Samoa News records show no reports of deaths of any of our Toa o Samoa as they are deployed around the world.  However, in March a fallen Toa o Samoa, Army Sgt. Tofiga J. Tautolo — who was killed in 2012 in the Afghanistan war — was among four U.S. military personnel who had been killed in Afghanistan or Iraq, honored by the Hawai’i State Legislature.

Family members of the fallen soldiers were present to accept the “Hawaii Medal of Honor” created in 2005 by Hawai’i state Rep. Mark Takai to recognize the heroism of Hawai’i’s armed forces, including members of the military who have ties to Hawai’i.

Other noticeable deaths reported by Samoa News this year:

• Former associate judge and long time former deputy secretary of Samoan Affairs, Nanai Afuola Kalasi passed away in January in Honolulu at the age of 80. Nanai had been a figure for many years at government ceremonial events, where as the Master of Ceremonies his traditional Samoan orator speeches and dedication to the Samoan culture made him well respected both in the territory and abroad.

• Tumuatasi Fouvaletufanuatamali’i Wally Utu, 72, passed away in March. He worked for the Fono for over 30 years, and after serving 16 years he was elected by the House to serve as their Chief Clerk, a post he held for 14 years before he retired.

• Veteran police captain Moleli Tavai passed away in Oakland, California in August and his remains were returned to the territory for burial. At the time of his passing he was assigned to oversee daily operations of the Patrol Division at the DPS Central station in Fagatogo.

Samoa News once again expresses our sincere condolences to the families who lost their loved ones this past year.