Zahquiel John Thomas Patrick Taipeti, son of Shannon Taipeti and Mitikiro Woods, tragically passed away after an overnight attack in the Hamilton suburb of Bader.
Taipeti sustained critical injuries in a violent incident, which also led to the hospitalization of two adults.
Highlights
- Born in 2016 to Shannon Taipeti and Mitikiro Woods, Zahquiel faced significant hardships early in life, including the loss of his mother more than a year ago.
- Zahquiel’s family and friends have expressed deep sorrow and paid heartfelt tributes on social media.
- Zahquiel’s father, Mitikiro Woods, was injured in the incident but is reported to be in stable condition and scheduled for surgery on September 2, 2024.
A family spokesperson shared on Facebook,
It is with profound sadness and sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of our boy Zahquiel John Thomas Patrick Taipeti.
The post identified Zahquiel as the son of Mitikiro Woods and the late Shannon Taipeti.
Woods, one of the adults injured in the attack, is currently in stable condition and is set to undergo surgery this afternoon.
Shannon Taipeti & Mitikiro Woods’ Son, Zahquiel John Thomas Patrick Taipeti, Tragically Lost His Life in Recent Hamilton Incident!
Zahquiel Taipeti, born in 2016 to Shannon Taipeti and Mitikiro Woods, had already faced considerable misfortune in his short life.
His mother, Shannon, had passed away more than a year ago, leaving Zahquiel and his older sister, Shanz Ocheana Taipeti, in the care of their father.
After moving from Whakatane, his family’s hometown, Zahquiel had been living in Hamilton, New Zealand.
According to his Facebook profile, Zahquiel enjoyed the affectionate nickname of “Wrecker” and was known as “Mummy’s Boy,” reflecting his strong bond with his late mother.
Despite the hardships, Zahquiel’s family remained supportive, as witnessed by the heartfelt tributes shared on social media.
On the evening of September 1, 2024, Zahquiel was involved in a violent incident that led to his critical injuries.
Following the incident, police were called to the scene around 5:20 pm, responding to reports of an argument that also left two adults hospitalized.
Hamilton City Inspector Darrell Harupur confirmed that a 37-year-old man has been arrested at the scene and charged with manslaughter and attack.
Authorities continue their investigation and conduct a scene examination, but no additional suspects are being sought.
Family and Friends Mourn The Loss Of Zahquiel Taipeti & Pay Tribute To The Young Boy!
In the wake of Zahquiel’s tragic passing, family and friends have expressed their grief and paid tribute to the young boy.
His family member wrote,
You didn’t deserve this, Zah. Fly home to the arms of your mum.
Mitikiro Woods, Zahquiel’s father, was also injured in the incident but is reported to be in stable condition. He is scheduled for surgery on September 2, 2024.
Moreover, the family is waiting for updates and has planned to bring Zahquiel’s remains back to Whakatane for his final resting place.
A Facebook post from the family indicated their ongoing grief and uncertainty, noting,
At this point, we are still waiting for what’s happening. We are currently still in Hamilton.
The tragic event has shocked the local community, with neighbors describing a chaotic scene and a significant police presence.
Additional Information
- Zahquiel’s sister, Shanz, attended Western Heights High School and Rotorua Girls High School.
- One of Mitikiro’s neighbors reported seeing a man with blo*d on his face leaving the property on a bicycle.
- Zahquiel also had an aunt, Te Awhina Anastasia Taipeti, who resides in Rotorua, New Zealand.
