Known to his loved ones as Vinnie jnr, he was described as a “beautiful boy”.
“His life was precious, and his loss has left a space in our family that can never be filled.”
Viqasi was a student at Mt Albert Grammar School, its headmaster Patrick Drumm confirmed yesterday.
In a statement, Drumm said the school was grateful for “the huge amount of support we are receiving from the wider educational community and beyond”.
“Our thoughts are with the family of the student and we continue to actively support them.
“This morning the school has been focused on supporting staff and students who are also deeply affected by this loss. Our guidance team and pastoral staff are working closely with students and will continue to do so in the time ahead.”
A woman lays flowers at the scene of the Baldwin Ave railway crossing where Vintonia Viqasi died on Wednesday. Photo / Jason Dorday
Drumm and other school staff were seen assisting students at a police cordon on Wednesday night.
In another message to parents, the headmaster advised that support is available for students after the tragedy.
He said the school has spoken to Year 9 and Year 10 students directly to “ensure they were informed and also aware of how to access support, as they came to terms with this news”.
“It is appreciated that when something like this happens it can be confronting and confusing, and the impact on each of us can be unpredictable and varied, and may not always be immediate.”