Federal Way High School Star Deejay Tuiasosopo Killed in Drunk Driving Crash
Deejay Tuiasosopo, a 16-year-old Federal Way High School football player from a prominent local sports family, was killed Friday night when a car veered onto a sidewalk after a two-vehicle collision. A 29-year-old man was arrested on vehicular homicide charges for alleged drunk driving. The victim, who had just played in a senior night game, was part of a family with multiple professional athletes, including a Super Bowl winner and an NFL quarterback. A large community vigil was held Saturday at the crash site.
Key points
- Deejay Tuiasosopo, 16, was struck and killed on a sidewalk near Pacific Highway South and South 304th Street in Federal Way, Washington, late Friday night.
- The crash occurred after two vehicles collided at an intersection; one vehicle left the roadway and hit Tuiasosopo, who had just finished playing football nearby.
- A 29-year-old male driver was arrested on vehicular homicide charges for alleged driving under the influence; police have not released further details about the suspect or the other driver.
- Tuiasosopo was a junior at Federal Way High School and a running back/linebacker who had transferred to the team for his first season.
- The Tuiasosopo family includes Manu Tuiasosopo (Super Bowl winner), Marques Tuiasosopo (NFL quarterback), and Leslie Gabriel (UW women’s volleyball coach).
- Over 150 people attended a Saturday vigil at the crash site, leaving flowers, balloons, and lanterns in memory of the teen.
Background
This incident follows a pattern of fatal drunk-driving crashes in the U.S., including a recent hit-and-run in Montclair, California, that killed two cyclists, and a Texas case where a judge ordered annual jail time on victims’ birthdays. These cases highlight ongoing public concern over impaired driving and its devastating consequences, particularly when victims are young or from notable families.
How outlets are covering it
KOMO and MyNorthwest.com provided detailed accounts of the crash and the family’s athletic legacy, emphasizing the community’s grief and the scale of the vigil. The New York Post focused on the victim’s NFL connections and the emotional impact on teammates, quoting David Rodriguez’s reflections on Tuiasosopo’s dreams and personality. All sources agree on the basic facts but differ in emphasis: KOMO highlighted the family tree and memorial details, while the Post underscored the sports legacy and personal tributes.
Why it matters
The death of a young athlete from a prominent sports family underscores the severe consequences of drunk driving and the emotional toll on communities. It also highlights the vulnerability of pedestrians in high-traffic areas and the need for stricter enforcement of DUI laws. The large public response reflects the community’s connection to the victim and the broader impact of such tragedies on local sports and youth culture.
What to watch
Federal Way police are continuing the investigation through the Major Accident Investigation Team. The 29-year-old suspect is in custody, and further details about the crash and the other driver’s condition may emerge. The family and community are expected to continue mourning, with potential legal proceedings against the suspect in the coming weeks.
- HS football star from NFL family killed by alleged drunk driver hours after game New York Post
- Teen athlete from famed Washington sports family killed by alleged DUI driver KOMO
- Federal Way High School football player killed after car veers onto sidewalk MyNorthwest.com
- Federal Way police arrest man after teenage boy killed in crash The Seattle Times
- 16-year-old killed by suspected impaired driver in Federal Way KING5.com
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