THE brother of the Fiji-born man who was doused in petrol and set alight on a road in New Zealand said his family was a 'train wreck' following the alleged brutal killing of the 21-year-old.
The burnt remains of Shalvin Prasad, originally from Suva, was found at 6.30am last Thursday after a small scrub fire on the side of McRobbie Rd in Kingseat, Auckland.
A statement from Shalvin Prasad's brother Pravin Prasad which was released to The Fiji Times by Counties-Manukau Police, New Zealand said the death had shattered their lives and torn them apart.
Mr Prasad said he would always remember his only brother Shalvin as his best friend, a person with a big heart and someone who enjoyed meeting new people.
"Shalvin was bubbly, he loved to laugh and was always cheerful," he said.
Mr Prasad said his brother had a lot of friends and everyone he met he kept in contact with. "We all lived together, Shalvin, our parents, my wife and I. We did everything together, we ate together, we sat together, and we holidayed together.
"Shalvin had never been away with his friends, not even on a road trip. He always preferred to come with us, his family," he said.
Mr Prasad said Shalvin always chose his family over his friends.
"He would go out but always be home before midnight, and that was his choice," he said.
"He loved soccer and supported Liverpool FC. He played outdoor soccer, indoor soccer, even soccer online."
Mr Prasad said the death of his brother had shattered their family.
"We have lost our favourite, Shalvin was everyone's favourite in the family. It has torn us apart. Sometimes I think he will be home after work like always but then I realise he won't," he said.