A Washington high school football player from a family of NFL players was killed by an alleged drunk driver near where he had just played a game hours earlier. Deejay Tuiasosopo, 16, was in his first season with the Federal Way High School football team and dreamed of becoming a state champion as he looked to become his family’s latest success story before his untimely death on Friday, KOMO reported. Tuiasosopo was standing on the sidewalk Friday night, near where he had played soccer that night, when he was hit by a car that crashed into another vehicle at an intersection. Deejay Tuiasosopo, 16, was killed by a driver who was allegedly under the influence of alcohol. Kathlyne Tuiasosopo Utu/Facebook Tuiasosopo was pronounced dead at the scene, while a man, 29, was arrested on a charge of vehicular manslaughter for allegedly being under the influence of alcohol. Police have not released any further details about the suspect nor have they revealed anything about the condition of the other driver. The 220-pound running back and linebacker would graduate from high school in 2028 and was someone who “had dreams,” said friend and teammate David Rodriguez. “The fact that I can’t do that is just sad,” Rodriguez said. Tuiasosopo’s family is steeped in sports history. His grandfather’s brother, Manu Tuiasosopo, 69, was selected in the first round of the 1979 NFL Draft, where he joined the Seattle Seahawks. He joined the San Francisco 49ers in 1984, where he won Super Bowl XIX the following January. Manu Tuiasosopo’s son, Marques Tuiasosopo, 47, was the 2001 Rose Bowl MVP and played eight seasons in the NFL for the Raiders and Jets as a quarterback. A vigil was held near the spot where Tuiasosopo was killed. KOMO NEWS Flowers and balloons of all colors were placed at the site. KOMO NEWS Manu Tuiasosopo and his wife Lisa raised four other children. His son Zach, who was born three years after Marques, played on practice squads for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles, Catholic Online reported. He never appeared in the NFL, the outlet reported. His daughter Leslie is the head coach of the University of Washington women’s volleyball team, while Matt Tuiasosopo is a former MLB utility player. Marques Tuiasosopo playing for the Jets in a 2007 preseason game. Getty Images Two unidentified guys told KOMO they were stunned by what happened at the intersection. A vigil was held Saturday near the spot where Tuiasosopo was killed, and mourners left flowers and balloons, including the numbers five and six, which were a nod to the athlete’s No. 56 jersey.
