Tonga Police have confirmed two unrelated deaths in Nuku’alofa last week—one ruled a suicide, the other due to illness.
On 14 May, authorities responded to the death of a 31-year-old man in Ma’ufanga. Following an investigation, police determined the cause of death was suicide.
In a separate incident on 17 May, a 79-year-old Fijian woman residing in Australia was found deceased at a hotel in the Nuku’alofa area. A medical report, corroborated by a family member, confirmed she had cancer, which was identified as the cause of death.
These incidents follow a similar case earlier this year. In February, Tonga Police investigated the suspected suicide of a 15-year-old girl in Tatakamotonga.
Mental health remains a pressing concern in Tonga and the wider Pacific region. Suicide is a leading cause of death among adolescents globally, with the World Health Organization reporting a global suicide rate among 15-19-year-olds of 7.4 per 100,000.
Tonga Police continue to urge the public to seek support and report any concerns related to mental health and wellbeing.
