Sixty-seven year old Ned Cook, who worked in the community dealing with drug abuse and addiction, died on Sunday from injuries suffered in an alleged Friday night assault.
Our correspondent in Nuku'alofa, Kalafi Moala, said Mr Cook was "one of Tonga's warriors" in the fight against drug abuse and addiction.
Mr Moala said his death was a tremendous loss for the country.
"We, here in Tonga, are very shocked by the death of Ned.
