Local man tells of attempts to save the young woman from a stormwater drain in the Auckland suburb of Favona yesterday
A blessing has taken place at the drain where a Mangere teenager lost her life on Saturday.
The blessing was lead by Rev Jim Rauwhero and organised by community leaders following the 17-year-old's death after she went into a flooded drain head-first near Enuamanu St.
Police have not named the teen, but she has been identified in the community by her first name, Violet.
Manukau councillor Alf Filipaina, who helped organise the gathering, said between 30 and 50 people took part. Most were neighbours.
"It was important for them to pay their respects to the family."
The blessing was lead by Rev Jim Rauwhero at the scene of the young woman's death. Photo / Aupito Sua William Sio via Facebook
The blessing began with a prayer from Rauwhero before neighbours shared their memories of the teen, who family confirmed was autistic and who was well known in her neighbourhood.
Mangere MP Aupito Su'a William Sio was also at the blessing.
He told the Herald Violet's neighbours were distraught by what had happened and he was thankful Violet's family had supported the gathering.
"Violet was taken before her time. She was a special child, that was well known to the neighbours and they ... needed to have their say and we are grateful that the family allowed us to share their grief.
"Just listening to what people had to say, it just breaks your heart ... people, they might not have given birth to her, but as far as they were concerned Violet was their child."
I stood in solidarity with the family of Violet and her neighborhood this morning and alongside Alf Filipaina, Lemauga...
A relative told the Herald this morning Violet's parents did not want to speak to media.
"They are just grieving."
It is understood Violet's body will be returned to her family this afternoon and her tangi will take place at Maungarongo Marae, 15km west of Whangarei.
Meanwhile, an Auckland Council spokesman said a meeting was planned for tomorrow about the circumstances of Violet's death.
The council is investigating the tragedy, and a relative of Violet yesterday raised questions over why the drain cover was not bolted down.
It is not known how Violet ended up in the drain, but a neighbour told the Herald yesterday she saw the teen bouncing a ball on the road shortly before the tragedy.
