FEDERAL WAY, Wash. — Students, teammates, and coaches are mourning a 16-year-old Federal Way High School football player and wrestler who police say was hit and killed by a suspected DUI driver while walking home from a football game Friday night.
Deejay Tuiasosopo died at the scene after being hit near Pacific Highway South, just blocks from the high school.
Federal Way police said two vehicles collided at the intersection. Police said one of the drivers then tried to flee and struck Tuiasosopo, who was walking on the sidewalk.
Police arrested a 29-year-old man on suspicion of DUI and vehicular homicide. He remained in jail with bail set at $200,000 while charges were pending.
In the days since Tuiasosopo’s death, classmates, teammates and friends have gathered at a memorial to remember a teenager they said made an impact far beyond the football field and wrestling mat.
“He was just an amazing person,” classmate Stormie Corey said.
Corey said learning that Tuiasosopo had died initially didn’t seem real.
“It felt like I was just stuck in a nightmare or something because nothing can prepare you for that kind of moment,” Corey said. “And it’s not fair. It really isn’t.”
Tuiasosopo’s teammates described a close bond with him.
“He wasn’t just a friend; he was a brother to me,” teammate Chester Maletala said. “And I just feel like all of us football players are going to remember this day.”
Federal Way High School assistant football coach Ryan Lusk said Tuiasosopo stood out for more than his athletic ability.
“It’s not about the X’s and O’s, about that kid,” Lusk said. “It’s literally just about his character.”
Corey remembered Tuiasosopo for his distinctive hair and smile.
“When I saw his big poofy hair and his big smile, you can’t miss it,” she said.
Tuiasosopo was also a wrestler, and Corey said she believed he was headed for a successful season.
“He was 100% going to state for wrestling and I was going to be there on that journey. But now, I can’t….” Corey said.
Now his teammates are hoping to carry his memory with them through the rest of the season.
“We told ourselves already we’re going to make it to state for him,” Maletala said.
He also had a message for his friend:
“Keep your smile. Let everyone know how happy you were,” Maletala said. “We love you, bro.”
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