Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Governor and Lieutenant Governor witnessed the remains of US Army paratrooper Specialist Faamavaega Tanielu, Jr. of Mesepa arriving on the delayed HA465 from Honolulu.

His parents and church members were present to witness one of the sons of American Samoa’s final return. He is said to have died in an incident on base at Fort Liberty, last Thursday, and investigations are continuing into his death. 

Faamavaega, 24, was the eldest of three children. He is a Tafuna High School graduate and began his enlistment in the US Army in October of 2022. He was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division Artillery Brigade.

He leaves behind his wife and three young children.