Friends and community members have been paying tribute to a well-known DJ from Tongatapu who was killed in a car crash early Tuesday morning.
Kaniva News reports Manu Vailahi Mitsen Huakau, 32, died when the vehicle he was driving crashed into a gate and a power pole on Taufa’ahau Road at Mailetaha.
A passenger sustained minor injuries and has been released from Vaiola Hospital, reports said.
Police believe alcohol and speeding were factors in the crash.
Also known as DJ Menu, the news of his death spread quickly over Facebook, with hundreds of friends and community members posting tributes and memories.
“RIL DJ Menu, you were one of the reason that made Reload the best bar in town with your music and swagg,” a commenter on Facebook wrote.
“This day could have not happen without your help and Christ like care and love. Huakau Mitsen Menu. i know i will see you again. Rest in love tokoua. It breaks my heart to see you leave. But Heavenly Father loves you more. He needs you more,” another commenter wrote on a photo they posted to Facebook which featured what appears to be a married couple posing with the deceased.
“Huakau Mitsen Menu, you will be missed. It was a pleasure and an honor to have served the Lord with you in Hawaii. I will never forget your love for life and generosity to others.”
“Rest easy my friend, for you are now with our Father in Heaven and will have the rewards of your faith and kindness you always expressed while here on earth. ’Ofa atu my friend.”
“You are in a better place Huakau Mitsen Menu heaven has gained a very talented angel so keep it rockin up in there toko will surely miss seeing you play at #reload.”
A closed friend of the deceased said on Facebook that he was one of the first people to have arrived at the scene but he did not know the driver of the crashed vehicle was DJ Menu.
“I got out [with] 3 of my mates to help not even knowing it was Manu in the driver’s seat passed away already. It was him and another guy as he fell out of the vehicle as it turned upside down as it flipped from the Mormon fence. Stood there helped the survivor to the ambulance wit the cops and as the put a white sheet on the driver i was so scared and no sign at all to see that it was my brother laying there as the firemen tried to get him out of the car. Until this morning when the news came out it was Manu i felt so sad as i couldnt by any chance do anything to revive him as he passed away on the spot but was happy to save his cousin that fell out of the car. Rest in Peace brother until we meet again. Ofa lahi atu ❤❤”
He was remembered by many as a friendly and kind-spirited DJ.