Family Seeks Answers Nearly Two Years After Australian Man Dies in Fiji

Nearly two years after a 40-year-old Australian man died in Fiji, his family continues to search for answers regarding whether he was murdered or died by suicide. Jason Rigby was working as an assistant manager at a luxury Fijian resort and living in staff accommodation when he died on December 14, 2024. He was found with knife wounds to his chest.

Investigation and Family Concerns

Initial police reports stated the cause of death was suicide, but his family rejected this conclusion and pushed for further investigation. His then-girlfriend, Shivani Siwan, told the family she was in the room at the time and heard a thud after Jason went to the bathroom with a knife. Days after his death, Australian consular officials told the family that Fijian police were reconsidering the case as a potential homicide before reversing that position an hour later back to suspected suicide. Chris Rigby obtained an incomplete toxicology report showing no alcohol in his brother's system, but noted no drug testing was done.

Official Response

Requests by the family to view the autopsy report in Australia were denied by the Queensland Coroners Court at the request of Fijian Police due to an ongoing criminal investigation. Fiji Police Force Assistant Commissioner Loraini Seru stated in a September interview that the matter was investigated as a possible murder. Letters from the Fiji Police Force Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that Shivani Siwan was interviewed under caution and released without charge.

Context

Families of foreign nationals who die abroad often face complex legal hurdles involving different international jurisdictions and communication challenges with local authorities. Consular services assist families with repatriation, but local police forces retain primary jurisdiction over investigations conducted within their borders.