Homicide investigation into Ned Cook’s death [1]
Monday, May 18, 2020 - 12:12. Updated on Monday, May 18, 2020 - 12:15.
The Salvation Army's Ned Cook, (67) died at Vaiola Hospital on Sunday morning, May 17 from injuries, after he was allegedly assaulted at Ma‘ufanga, Nuku'alofa, on Friday night, May 15.
He was the respected Team Leader for The Salvation Army Alcohol and Drugs Awareness Centre in Nuku’alofa.
He moved from New Zealand to Tonga last year in January to help with the Salvation Army. His wife Tansy and family in New Zealand lost him on Father's Day.
Ned was a registered DAPAANZ Counsellor and Supervisor specializing in dealing with people who have problems with alcohol and other drugs, as well as prevention of family violence. He has played a major role in rehabilitation of offenders referred to The Salvation Army by the courts.
Tonga Police opened a homicide investigation today after receiving the report of his death yesterday.
What is alleged now is that the victim was assaulted at a location near his home at Ma’ufanga at around 8:00pm on Friday.
He passed away on Sunday at Vaiola Hospital.
Police are expected to release more information later today.
Rehabilitation
The Salvation Army is one of a few local organisations dealing with drug problems.
Over the last 20 years The Salvation Army has offered educational programs, including life skills such as communication, problem solving, conflict resolution, relationships, relapse prevention, anger regulation and more lately violence prevention, among other issues raised by their clientele.
Ned told Matangi Tonga Online in an interview in May last, that he was concerned that The Salvation Army services at present "don't reach those desperately needing help".
"There's a need to improve the Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) services we currently offer our people, who are severely suffering from alcohol and other drugs use/misuse.”
Ned said despite the lack of resources, they reached out to prisoners and deportees through educational programs.
He hoped to one day establish a 10-20 bed place, like a ‘half-way’ house, where people like deportees can stay on arrival, receive the education and treatment they need before living in the community.