Two individuals have been charged in relation to the tragic death of 16-year-old Deejay Tuiasosopo, who lost his life in a car accident in Washington State on October 23. Tuiasosopo, a junior at Federal Way High School, was standing on the pavement following a football game when he was struck by a vehicle around 10:45 p.m.
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The incident occurred on Pacific Highway South in Federal Way when a collision took place between a Lexus and a Ford F-150 at the intersection of Pacific Highway and South 304th Street. According to police reports, the impact of the crash resulted in one of the vehicles veering onto the sidewalk, subsequently hitting Tuiasosopo.
The drivers involved in the accident have been identified as Luis Santos, operating the Lexus, and Roberto Emory, who was behind the wheel of the Ford F-150. Both men were arrested shortly after the incident and subsequently charged with vehicular homicide on Thursday, October 29. Authorities revealed that Emory turned left while under a flashing yellow arrow, leading to a collision with Santos’s vehicle, which struck Tuiasosopo and crashed into a nearby pole.
Eyewitness accounts and police investigations suggest that Santos was speeding at approximately 87.6 mph in a 45 mph zone just prior to the collision and did not attempt to apply the brakes. Emory, who was found at the scene, reportedly failed a preliminary breath test with a blood alcohol level of 0.170, more than double the legal limit. It is noted that he had been previously charged with vehicular homicide in a separate incident involving alcohol.
Both Santos and Emory are currently being held on bail set at £200,000, with arraignment dates scheduled for November 2 and November 9, respectively.
Deejay Tuiasosopo was described as a dedicated student-athlete who had recently joined his school’s football team. “He was serious about his sports; he had dreams, he wanted to be a state champion,” recalled his teammate, David Rodriguez. The tragic loss of Tuiasosopo has deeply affected those who knew him and the community at large.
A GoFundMe page created by Tuiasosopo’s aunt, Kathlyne Tuiasosopo Utu, has been set up to support the family during this difficult time. Utu expressed her gratitude for the support received, stating, “In a matter of moments, our world was shattered.” She added that the kindness shown by the community would forever hold a special place in their hearts as they strive to honour Deejay’s memory.
Tuiasosopo came from a distinguished family with various professional athletes among its members, including his great-uncle Manu Tuiasosopo, who played for the Seattle Seahawks and later the San Francisco 49ers, winning a Super Bowl in the 1980s. His middle school, Sacajawea Middle School, released a statement mourning his loss, highlighting his dedication to education and sports, as well as the warmth he brought to those around him.
Authorities from the Federal Way Police Department and Federal Way High School have not yet commented further on the investigations or the status of the community’s response regarding this tragic event, leaving many questions unanswered as the community grapples with the loss of a young life full of potential.
As the legal proceedings against the accused continue, Tuiasosopo’s tragic death serves as a reminder of the critical importance of road safety and the devastating consequences of reckless driving. The community of Federal Way remains in mourning, reflecting on the impact of Deejay’s life and the void left by his untimely passing.