Nabetari 'Nabe' Baua sadly passed away at 34 years of age on Thursday last week, leaving behind a heartbroken family, mourning the loss of the happy, fun-loving father formerly from Kiribati.

Nabe's cousin Timetaake Baiteke described him as "vibrant and honest", with a love of life and a passionate desire to provide a good life for his son.

Mrs Baiteke, who lives in Griffith, said the sadness of Nabe's death was compounded by the stress of having to pay for his body to be transported back home from Townsville, where he had recently moved for work.

"It was really unexpected and just heartbreaking and as you know the cost of funerals are so expensive in Australia," Mrs Baiteke said.

"And when you have to pay for his body to be repatriated back to Griffith as well it all adds up."

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Nabe had previously worked as a nurse in the emergency department at Griffith Base Hospital from 2014 to 2020, and when some of his former colleagues heard about his passing they decided to launch a GoFundMe to help with funeral costs.

In just three days, the online crowdfund has already raised over $17,000.

Mrs Baiteke described the wave of generosity as "overwhelming".

"It's made me realise how many people he's met who have been touched by him in some way in Griffith and I just want to thank them for giving back to Nabetari - it's just amazing," Mrs Baiteke said.

"The generosity is just overwhelming and I would also like to thank the emergency team at Griffith Base Hospital for their support. It is a true blessing."

The money from the fundraiser will go towards the funeral and repatriation costs, while any remaining funds will go towards the education of Nabe's 14-year-old son.

To donate to the GoFundMe page, click here.

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