SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Two royal family members from the South Pacific island nation of Tonga were killed when a teenager racing her car crashed into their sport utility vehicle, authorities. Delgados car slammed into the drivers side of the Explorer, causing it to swerve across several lanes before tumbling to a stop on its roof, Franklin said. Bet the suspect was on her cell phone too. As of 25 July 2019 she is the Non-Resident Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of the Philippines. Sovereign and Patron of the Orders of Puono, the Crown, the Cross of Tonga, the Royal Order of King George Tupou I, the Tongan Star and of the Royal Family Order 16 th December 1965-2006. His death at age 88 ends one of the world's. All rights reserved. Edith Delgado, 18, of Redwood City, Calif., allegedly was racing her car at speeds up to 100 mph (160 kph) on a highway in Menlo Park, California, about 30 miles (50 kilometers) south of San Francisco, when she tried to pass the SUV in which the royal couple was traveling, said highway patrol Officer Ricky Franklin. The accident happened on Wednesday in Menlo Park, about 50 kilometres (30 miles) south of San Francisco. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma), Aisea Hefa, brother of Vinisia Hefa, 36, cries during a memorial service for Tonga's Prince Tu'ipelehake and his wife, Princess Kaimana, at First Tongan United Methodist Church in San Bruno, Calif., on Thursday, July 6, 2006. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. This time, members of a Royal Family were killed :sad: U.S. car crash kills Tonga royals Three people, including two members of the Tongan royal family, died in this crash. Seattle Times staff reporter. Princess Ltfuipeka (Angelika Ltfuipeka Halaevalu Mataaho Napua-o-kalani Tukuaho; born 17 November 1983, in Nukualofa) is a Tongan royal and a member of the House of Tupou. the entire crew was killed. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate. Sole daughter of Tupou VI, King of Tonga, Princess Ltfuipeka became the High Commissioner of Tonga to Australia on 22 August 2012,[1] after her father High Commissioner until then succeeded as the King of Tonga.[2]. Now the last monarchy in the Pacific, Tonga has been a Polynesian kingdom and a protectorate of Britain, from which it acquired independence in 1970. It added that the allegations were a result of a "sad, long-running and bitter family dispute". Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. The eldest, Crown Prince Tupouto'a, is an unmarried playboy in his 50s who lives in a grand palace on the outskirts of the capital Nuku'alofa. Of 930 criminal prosecutions since 2018, 529 were drug related. But he would not release their names until the Tongan government made an official announcement. Uhilamoelangi, 59, said the couple had arrived in the San Francisco Bay area earlier this week to discuss political reforms in Tonga with members of the regions Tongan community. "The judge flat-out said through his ruling that the time she's already done doesn't adequately resolve the case," prosecutor Aaron Fitzgerald said. Prince. Posts Tagged. Now the last monarchy in the Pacific, Tonga has been a Polynesian kingdom and a protectorate of Britain, from which it acquired independence in 1970. He had been chairing a Parliamentary National Committee for Political Reform, with support from Tongas regent princess, who is ruling as the ailing king seeks treatment for heart problems. 7, 2006. Australian police believe Mr Brown was tortured and murdered in 1984 by members of the horseracing community. Can Nigeria's election result be overturned? The body of a British woman swept away by the tsunami in Tonga has been found, her brother says. He took over these posts from his elder brother Tupoutoa, at that time still the crown prince, later to become King Siaosi Tupou V (see below). IE 11 is not supported. Its a cultural thing, Foucrault said. Display as a link instead, California Highway Patrol spokesman Ricky Franklin said their Ford Explorer was struck by a 1988 white Ford Mustang driven by 18-year-old Edith Delgado, who was allegedly racing another car at speeds up to 100 mph. 2 Tongan royal family members killed in California car crash, authorities say. Most Popular Now | 56,514 people are reading stories on the site right now. [11], On 15 January 2022, he was evacuated from the Royal Palace after the Hunga TongaHunga Ha'apai eruption and tsunami. The prince was also a leading proponent of political reform in Tonga, a group of small islands about 3,000 miles southwest of Hawaii. Mr Brown's body had been found in a burnt car in bushland south of Sydney, with signs that he had been assaulted before his death. Abdullah served 42 . Their driver was also killed. Mahu'inga said he learned of the victims' identities from a member of the royal family. (AP Photo/Jakub Mosur), THREEDEAD_042_RAD.jpg Colonel-in-Chief Tonga Defence Force and Royal Guards 1952-1969, General and C-in-C of the forces 1965-2006. The driver of the red Ford Explorer carrying the two also was killed, the California Highway Patrol said. Search. Edith Delgado, now 19, broke into tears in the packed courtroom when San Mateo County Judge John W. Runde read the sentence. Three foreign skiers were killed in an avalanche in southeastern British Columbia, Canadian police said Thursday. Prince Tu'ipelehake, a nephew of King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV, was the leading reformist in the Tongan royal family. From 1990 to 1995 he commanded the Pacific-class patrol boat VOEA Pangai and his time in charge included peacekeeping operations in Bougainville. He graduated from the University of New South Wales in 1997 with a master's degree in defence studies and from Bond University in 1999 with a master's degree in international relations.[8]. Your financial contribution supports our efforts to deliver quality, locally relevant journalism. An hour later, 2 kids were killed in a wrong-way crash near Sunnyside; One person shot in Wapato, U.S. By Sanjay Bhatt. Kefu, who was affectionately known as "Poli", was the president of Tonga Leitis Association, an organisation dedicated. 6,183 followers. Market data provided by Factset. The jury needed to make that finding to convict her of the felony charges. Her driver's license had earlier been revoked for three years. Tongan King Tupou IV dies at 88 King Taufa'ahau had been suffering from an unspecified illness The people of Tonga have been plunged into mourning following the death of 88-year-old King. Fitzgerald argued that Delgado should be sentenced to 21/2 years. Prince Tuipelehake, 56, and Princess Kaimana, 46, died in Wednesday nights freeway crash in Menlo Park, about 30 miles south of San Francisco, according to Senter Uhilamoelangi, a distant relative and longtime friend of the prince. Every contribution, however large or small, will make a difference. She was a member of the Tongan Royal family. Tuipelehake, a nephew of 88-year-old King Taufaahau Tupou IV, was the leading reformist in the royal family. Drug-related prosecutions in Tonga's supreme court have also risen since 2018, increasing by 206% to 2020. It has a population of 108,000 and its economy is dependent on pumpkin and vanilla exports, fishing, foreign aid and remittances from Tongans living abroad. Tonga a 170-island archipelago about halfway between Australia and Tahiti has a population of about 108,000 and an economy dependent on pumpkin and vanilla exports, fishing, foreign aid and remittances from Tongans abroad. The Tongan government has not issued a statement. In 1862 King George Tupou I abolished slavery and in 1875 a constitution was drawn up. Tu'ipelehake, a nephew of 88-year-old King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV, was the leading reformist in the royal family. He has covered two San Francisco mayors, city and statewide political campaigns, and the intersection of professional sports and public policy. 1,402 posts. As such he was until his accession to the throne known as Tupoutoa Lavaka. ** Mandatory credit for photographer and the San Francisco Chronicle/ -Mags out, Authorities investigate the scene of a fatal vehicle wreck, Wednesday, July 5, 2006, on U.S. Highway 101 in Menlo Park, Calif. Two royal family members from the South Pacific island nation of Tonga were killed when a teenager racing her car crashed into their sport utility vehicle, authorities said. [16] The celebrations included many international invited guests, and an estimated 15,000 people, mostly expatriate Tongans, flew in to join the celebrations. Tonga's royal family has denied allegations they were involved in covering up the murder of an Australian horse trainer. The case, which rocked the industry, has never been solved. The newspaper said the report was based on statements to police by Mr Waterhouse's youngest son. They paid their respects to the prince's sister, Princess Mele Siuilikutapu Kalaniuvalu Fotofili, who sat in a chair decorated with a huge woven mat. Marshals investigating; Two Grandview children killed in suspected drunk driving crash near Sunnyside Prince Tuipelehake, 56, and his wife, Princess Kaimana, 45, had arrived in the Bay Area on Tuesday and were scheduled to attend a large community forum Thursday night at a San Bruno church to discuss the needs of Tongans abroad, said the Rev. The people of Tonga will demand justice for this as the prince was loved by all. I dont think it serves anyones interest for this 19-year-old girl to spend more time in jail, he said. According to the 2000 U.S. Census, there are 4,549 people in San Mateo County who identified themselves as Tongan, or Tongan and another race or ethnicity, Its very, very sad, said Ahio, who learned of the deaths in an early morning phone call from San Franciscos Tongan consul general. "He was loved by the people of Tonga -- both the prince and the princess were," said Mahu'inga, who heads the local chapter of the Kainga Tonga USA community group. 2 in Tongan Royal Family Killed in Calif. Friday, July 7, 2006 1:21 AM EDT The Associated Press By TERENCE CHEA SAN FRANCISCO (AP) Two royal family members from the South Pacific island nation of Tonga were killed when a teenager racing her car crashed into their sport utility vehicle, authorit. She had faced a maximum of three years after being convicted in June of misdemeanor manslaughter and acquitted of more serious felony charges. Thousands of Tongans across the Bay Area, which houses one of the largest expatriate populations from the South Pacific island-chain nation, went into mourning at news of the deaths. A Tongan community leader in San Bruno, Talo Mahu'inga, identified the dead royals as Prince Tu'ipelehake and his wife, Princess Kaimana. Before joining The Chronicle, he worked at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and the Modesto Bee, where he covered the Scott Peterson case. Mr Waterhouse, who died in 2019, was the patriarch of a famous family dynasty that remains highly influential in Australian racing and bookmaking. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Three people -- including two members of the Tongan royal family on a community outreach mission -- died Wednesday night in Menlo Park after a teenager racing in a Mustang hit their sport. He was assisted by the Reverend 'Ahio and the Reverend Tevita Havea, the president and the secretary general of the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga. He was a good leader because he took the voice of the people all the way to the House of Parliament and carried it all the way to the king.. Tonga is the last monarchy in the Pacific and most of its politicians are appointed by the 88-year-old king rather than elected. Prince Tu'ipelehake had been scheduled to speak to Tongans in San Bruno, California on Thursday before visiting Tongan communities in other parts of the US. Clear editor. Edith Delgado, 19, wept as the sentence was read, and she left San Mateo County Superior Court surrounded by family members, who declined to comment. In a statement released on Tuesday and given to the BBC, the palace said they "strongly denied" any connection to the murder. His elder son, Siaosi, (George) is to be addressed by the prestigious title of Uluklala of Fangatongo, while his second son, Viliami, (William) was bestowed with Ata of Hihifo. Defense attorney Randy Moore said he believed the sentence was too harsh. Taufa'ahau ascended the throne after the death of his mother, Queen Slote, in 1965. Former staff writer Lee Romney covered the Bay Area and Northern California news for the Los Angeles Times from the San Francisco bureau. She is in the line of succession to the Tongan throne. Delgado struck the driver's side of the red Ford Explorer the victims were riding in, Franklin said. Photo taken on 7/6/06, in San Bruno, CA. To avoid German colonization Tonga became a British Protectorate in 1900, the status it held until full independence in 1970. AP News in Brief at 12:04 a.m. EST. 0:33. Upload or insert images from URL. Identification. She is the sole daughter and eldest child of Tupou VI, King of Tonga and Queen Nanasipau'u. San Mateo County Coroner Robert Foucrault identified the dead members of the royal family Thursday as a 46-year-old female and a 56-year-old male, but he declined to release their names, citing "respect for the Tongan culture and their protocols that they notify the government and the legal next of kin.". Historically, one of the most loved and admired members of the Tongan Royal Family was Queen Salote. Delgado, who was not injured, was jailed on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter and engaging in a speed contest, Franklin said. Here are some traditions the royal family follows that you might not have realized were a thing. So vexing are the problems that police from Burlingame and San Bruno recently traveled to Tonga in order to better understand the culture and help youths adjust. Advertisement. [10] In 2013 he was appointed as Chancellor of the University of the South Pacific. In January 1994 Juergen and his wife left Tongatapu, relocated to Ha'apai and broke ground on the Sandy Beach location. Instead of welcoming Tonga's royal family to Seattle, the South Pacific Islander community will mourn their deaths tonight with a service at St. Edward's Parish Hall in South Seattle. Edith Delgado, 18, of Redwood City, allegedly was racing her car at speeds up to 100 mph on a highway in Menlo Park, about 25 miles south of San Francisco, when she tried to pass the SUV the royal couple was traveling in, said highway patrol Officer Ricky Franklin. Members of the First United Methodist Church in San Bruno gather to mourn and memorialize three members of the Tongan Royal Family who were killed in a car wreck last night. Powered by Invision Community. Now more than ever, your support is critical to help us keep our community informed about the evolving coronavirus pandemic and the impact it is having locally. "Words cannot express how much of a loss we still feel, even after a year," the princess' cousin, Amelia Tupou Tonga, said at Delgado's sentencing hearing. PHOTO CREDS TO THE RIGHT OWNER #LongLiveHMKingTupouVI. Prosecutors said Delgado had been racing a Cadillac Escalade at speeds of at least 80 mph, using the freeway as "her playground.". Edith Delgado, center, is led away from a Redwood City, Calif., courtroom on Friday after she received a two-year sentence for a freeway crash that killed Tongan Prince Tu'ipelehake and his wife, Princess Kaimana. Prosecutor Aaron Fitzgerald, who had sought a 30-month sentence, said he agreed with the judges decision. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Former King George Tupou V died in March 2012. His voice well never hear again, but his legacy is going to live on, Uhilamoelangi said. He has also covered land use, the failed attempt to remove San Francisco's elected sheriff for official misconduct and efforts to revitalize the long-downtroddenMid-Market area. Two members of Tonga's royal family have been killed in a car crash during a visit to the United States. Nick Eleini told broadcasters the family was "devastated" after Angela Glover died trying to. At conservative gathering, Trump is still the favourite. The prince is the nephew of ailing King Taufaahau Tupou IV, who has been honored at Ahios church in the past during regular visits to Stanford Medical Center. Two members of Tonga's royal family have been killed in a car crash during a visit to the United States. 159 following. Readers around the Lake Tahoe Basin and beyond make the Tahoe Tribune's work possible. "This is a great loss to the Tongan people.". WSP ended pursuit of speeding driver near Ellensburg. Accounts of miraculous escapes also emerged, including that of a 57-year-old being hailed as a "real life Aquaman" after recounting how . "He is one prince that is known to be liked and loved, and who would mingle with commoners but at the same time would have honest respect for the kingship.". Follow. What's the least amount of exercise we can get away with? Instead, dozens of Tongans flocked to the church to mourn the unexpected deaths and honor a prince viewed as a political reformer in Tonga's constitutional monarchy. A Redwood City woman who killed two members of the Tongan royal family and their driver in a freeway crash last year is going back behind bars after she was sentenced Friday to two years in county jail. Prince Tu'ipelehake, 56, and Princess Kaimana, 46, died Wednesday night, according to Senter Uhilamoelangi, a distant relative and longtime friend of the prince. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. TONGA - Royal Ark. AP News Summary at 11:21 p.m. EST. But we are forgiving people, and all we want today is justice.". In this case, we have the deaths of three perfectly innocent victims.. Hefa's aunt, Tina Penisoni, said her niece was driving the royal couple and had been their secretary before moving to the United States to work as a nanny for a Palo Alto couple. "(It's) very hard. The brother had a son, Prince Paras, who by all rumors was not the kind of person you would want to have as the eventual replacement king. Read about our approach to external linking. Once again some jerk driver thinks they are in the movie "fast and furious" and thay cant even pass without hitting someone. He's written extensively about San Francisco hosting the America's Cup, the city losing its professional football team to a new stadium in Santa Clara, and efforts to build a new arena in San Francisco for the Golden State Warriors. "He pursued this goal with sensitivity and perception, mixed with a strong determination to achieve progress," Mr Peters said. WSP ended pursuit of speeding driver near Ellensburg. In 1998 he ended his military career to become part of the government, first as simultaneous defence minister and foreign minister from October 1998 until August 2004. (Katy Raddatz/The S.F.Chronicle) He's been named as Joshua Liava'a, 65, news . Abdullah of Pahang is the second most distinguished royal overall. Juergen Stavenow originally moved to Tonga in 1987 and lived with his family in Tongatapu where they owned and operated the Seaview Restaurant. Moore told the judge that a year in jail already served - the maximum for an individual misdemeanor count - was sufficient. Your link has been automatically embedded. She has two brothers, the Crown Prince Tupoutoa Ulukalala and Prince Ata, who is the youngest. The latest information about his presence in 'Eua came last night after terrifying footage was shot of a tsunami wave crashing into the gate of the Heilala Tangitangi royal palace in 'Eua.