A road accident at Lovu, Lautoka on Tuesday has claimed the life of 21-year-old Penasio Cerecere of Vitogo Village while three of his friends are in serious condition at the Lautoka Hospital.
The deceased, who was believed to be drink-driving at the time of the accident, was to have farewelled his elder brother who was to fly back to England.
Their cousin Mosese Toma Bolobolo said the accident had delayed the trip.
"Pena was the youngest in the family and it's painful to see him die like this," Mr Bolobolo said of his cousin.
"He was a quiet guy and always loved by his relatives because of his good deeds.
"I was shocked to hear the news because I was drinking with them before they went to buy beer again from Lautoka town.
"In fact he resides in Suva with his family while one of his brothers and a sister are soldiers in the British Army.
"He will be sadly missed."
Witness Asena Varo, 45, said she was sitting on the porch of her home when the accident happened.
She said the vehicle was travelling at such a high speed that the car spun three times after hitting the electricity post which broke into two.
"I could not believe what I saw and it was just like in the movies," said Mrs Varo.
"The next thing I saw was two men coming out of the car and as they came out they suddenly fell on the ground. It was as if their legs were too weak to carry them. The driver was sitting helplessly behind the wheel with blood everywhere.
"It was a frightening experience," a traumatised Mrs Varo said. Police spokeswoman Ana Naisoro said the crash was the country's first fatal accident for 2013.