Dr Leighley Leli Darling
Age 521 Sep 2025
Nadi, Ba (Fiji)
Murdered
Dr Leighley was found dead wth signs of violence in her home after she failed to show up for work.
An investigation into the death of a transgender doctor and social media personality from Fiji is now being treated as a possible murder, police have confirmed.
Police say Dr [deadname] Biumaitotoya, who was also known as Leighley Leli Darling, was found unresponsive in [her] home in Votualevu, Nadi, on Monday evening. An employee at Biumaitotoya's medical practice contacted the police after [she] did not show up for work that morning.
Biumaitotoya, a well-known member of the LGBTQI+ community in Fiji, had visible injuries when [she] was found. A post-mortem examination is being conducted to determine the cause of death, and efforts are ongoing to find [her] car.
Social media has been flooded with tributes for Biumaitotoya, and [her] death has sparked a lot of discussions online, most of which have been criticised by officials and human rights advocates.
Fiji's Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka also shared his condolences in a post on social media: "I am deeply saddened by the untimely passing of the late Dr [deadname] Biumaitotoya, a well-known Nadi-based medical doctor and social media influencer.
"When I was asked by the media this afternoon [Tuesday] about the circumstances surrounding [her] death, I stressed that it is unchristian to go into violent reactions against somebody who differs from you.
"I believe all the other religions share the same values. You don’t go and offend or look down on someone who differs from you, whether in sexual orientation, physical condition or whatever reason, for that matter. To do so would be very unkind.
"This tragic situation is just very sad. I recall attending a Human Rights Conference at Pacific Harbour with Dr [deadname]. While a lot of people were uncomfortable with [her], [she] made meaningful contributions to the discussions."
A 32 year-old suspect was arrested and charged n connection with the murder.
https://pmn.co.nz/read/law-and-order/man-charged-with-murder-of-fijian-transgender-doctor
https://www.sentidog.com/2025/09/09/hombre-arrestado-en-el-asesinato-del-medico-trans/
https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/mother-remembers-late-son-dr-leli-loving-and-caring/
https://fijisun.com.fj/news/crime/police-probe-social-media-of-deceased-nadi-doctor
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1335575621603005
