Outrage has erupted in Samoa after a national newspaper published a photograph on its front page of a dead trans woman.

The woman, who was discovered in a church hall on Friday morning local time, died of a suspected suicide.

A photograph on the front page of today’s Sunday Samoan – a sister paper of the Samoa Observer – depicted how she was found at the scene.

She was named by the paper as Jeanine Tuivaiki, a 20-year-old computer student who was a regular at the Catholic Church of Taufusi.

However, the paper has been slammed for its “insensitive” treatment of the death – not only in publishing the graphic photograph, but also in repeatedly referring to Ms Tuivaiki as a man.

On Facebook many branded the story “disgraceful” and said it lacked respect for the dead.

One user said: “Samoa Observer- you stupid, insensitive assholes. You showed that you don’t care about LGBTQ as the photo you published on the front page and the pronoun you used for her just reinforces the abuse, insensitively [sic] and hate our brothers and sisters who identify as LGBT go through.”

Another said: “Was it necessary to put that picture of Jaenine Tuivaki on the front page of the paper…. Yes she is a transgender person, but where is the respect for the dead …. I am disgusted at the lack of Respect for this human being.”

Laura Keil-Hall said she was “at a loss for words”.

How can Samoa Observer do such a thing!?,” she said.

“I’ve lost someone dearest to my heart and a few loved ones to suicide, and to think of seeing their photo posted in a newspaper and front page like that is just mind boggling, bloody disgusting, so disrespectful and so heartless… it is beyond comprehension what you have done.”

Louise Bartley-Devoe said: “Absolutely disgusting & disrespectful Samoa Observer!”; while Isaac Toafa said the coverage of Ms Tuivaiki’s death was “a disgrace”.

Lexy Carroll said: “Pretty disgusting disrespectful and unprofessional to post such a photo on your front page. Surely you know better.”

One blogger said it “disregards the rights of the victim, families and friends”.

Journalism professor Mark Hayes reportedly described the article as “utterly disgraceful, inexcusable, [and] totally unprofessional”.

“Media ethics classes will study this outrage for years to come as it’s an awful example of how to absolutely not report these kinds of stories,” he said.

A number of people on social media said they would write to complain about the story, while others suggested Ms Tuivaiki’s family should sue the paper.

“Insensitive & disrespectful are understatements. This family should take legal action against SO!”

According to the Sunday Samoan, Ms Tuivaiki was found in the hall of the Catholic Church of Taufusi in the early hours of Friday morning local time.

Members of the church declined to comment to the paper, saying only that the matter had been referred to police.

A friend told the newspaper the circumstances surrounding her death were not yet clear, but she believed that if someone had found Ms Tuivaiki earlier she might have been saved.

The friend described Ms Tuivaiki as “someone who was very committed to the church and especially our youth”, who had a talent for decorating the church hall for special events.

“We are all shocked about what happened,” the friend said.

“[She] was a loving person, very talented and [she] seemed very happy every day.”

Are you affected by an issue in this article? Here's where to get help:
• Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
• Youth services: (06) 3555 906
• Youthline: 0800 376 633
• Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (4pm to 6pm weekdays)
• Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm)
• The Word
• Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7)
• Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
• CASPER Suicide Prevention
If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.