Girl, 5, Drowned at a Popular Waterfall. Now, Her Heartbroken Family Is Demanding ‘Accountability’: ‘We Need Justice’

A 5-year-old girl drowned after being swept away by a strong current at a well-known waterfall in Fiji, and her family is now urging officials to take action to prevent similar tragedies.

Lilly Wal was visiting Biausevu Waterfall in Sigatoka with her family, who had traveled from Brisbane, when she was pulled into the current on Jan. 12, according to the Fiji Police Force.

Police said search efforts began immediately, but conditions were dangerous due to heavy rain and flood warnings. Authorities reported the initial search produced “negative results.”

On Jan. 13, police said Lilly’s body was found along the Biasevu River.

“The body of a 5-year-old child, who was swept away near the Biasavu Waterfall, has been recovered,” authorities wrote in a social media statement at the time.

Police added, “Sigatoka Forensics and Criminal Investigations Department (CID) personnel have uplifted the victim’s body and escorted her to the Sigatoka Hospital mortuary.”

Family Member Says the Death Was Preventable

Nearly a month later, Lilly’s cousin, Chiara Subek, said the tragedy could have been avoided if proper safety measures and visitor guidance had been in place.

“Staying silent allows this to happen again,” Subek wrote on Facebook, alongside a photo of Lilly.

“What was meant to be a beautiful getaway for my aunt and her little family instead became the most traumatic experience,” she continued.

Subek alleged the family wasn’t adequately warned about risks, especially related to rainfall and changing conditions.

“My 5-year-old cousin Lilly Wal passed away in Fiji due to a complete failure in duty of care. The family was never properly briefed on the risks, never given safety warnings, and never told what to do if it started raining, despite locals later telling us that people are not supposed to go up to the waterfall when it is raining,” she wrote.

Subek also claimed the group was taken to the site without clear safety protocols or sufficient guidance, and said the tour operator prioritized money over safety. She further alleged that after the incident, there was a lack of empathy and accountability from those involved, including local leadership.

“There was no proper response from local leadership or police,” she wrote. “There was also a complete lack of action from the police when the incident happened. Instead of supporting our family, they tried to blame my aunt for Lilly’s passing.”

“This investigation has not been taken seriously at all, and it truly feels like they are trying to brush it aside,” she added. “This is about duty of care, tourist safety, and protecting children and families. We want accountability, awareness, and change, so no other family ever has to experience this pain. We need justice for our sweet Lilly.”

It is not immediately clear which tour guide company was involved.