The family of a young Samoan man who lost his life while attempting to prevent a public altercation in Hastings, New Zealand is grieving his tragic loss, saying he "sacrificed his life" for others.

Tulasunu’i Keith Alapati, 33, succumbed to his injuries at Hawke’s Bay Hospital on Sunday evening after what local authorities in New Zealand have described as a violent attack near Kirkpatrick Park in Camberley.

A 28-year-old man from Hastings has been taken into custody and charged with murder. He made an initial appearance at the Hastings District Court on Tuesday and is scheduled for a hearing at the High Court in Napier on March 7.

Speaking on behalf of the family, a spokeswoman shared that Alapati had moved to New Zealand in 2024 in search of a better future for his loved ones. Having only resided in Camberley for a short two weeks, the family is now left devastated by the tragic event.

Described as a "humble, loving guy," Alapati’s family is struggling to come to terms with their heartbreaking loss. It is believed that he and his wife and children were granted residency in New Zealand through the quota scheme. His family insists that he willingly put himself in harm’s way to protect others that night.

According to Detective Inspector Martin James, authorities received reports of a brawl involving multiple individuals on Kiwi Lane around 10.30 pm. Shortly after, police were notified that a critically injured man had been taken to the emergency department at Hawke’s Bay Hospital.

Local media in New Zealand revealed that the young father had risked his life to stop the altercation. “But instead, he ended up losing his life. It had barely been two weeks since they settled in Camberley when this heartbreaking incident took place.”

The family remains in shock, struggling to comprehend the loss of a loved one in their own neighborhood. “It’s devastating to think that something so tragic happened on the very street we lived in, and it took our brother from us,” she added.

Despite their grief, the family has found some solace in the swift action taken by police, leading to the arrest and charging of a suspect in connection with the murder.