Crowds gathered in numbers today at the Naveiwakau Methodist Church in Valelevu as the church service began for the funeral procession of the late Russell Taloga.
Many wept loudly as they reminisced in the memories shared with the teenager.
Speaking to Fijivillage, Basketball Playmate Moses Rauluni says the void Russell left in their group of friends will always affect them as a member of the group is no longer there.
Rauluni says Russell was a good player and they got to know each other through basketball.
He adds that they were confused as to how they should feel when faced with the news.
Rauluni adds that the last moment their group of friends spent together was playing basketball which was something that he loved.
He adds that they were all more than just friends, they were all brothers.
Meanwhile, the Fiji Chess Federation is mourning the loss of a very talented and upcoming athlete Russell Taloga.
The Late Russell Taloga was laid to rest at the Vatuwaqa Cemetery today.
