DJ Tuiasososopo, a 16-year-old high school football standout from a prominent sports family, died on October 23 after a suspected drunk driver struck him while he stood on a roadside in Federal Way, Washington, according to local media reports. The 29-year-old driver was arrested at the scene on suspicion of vehicular homicide and driving under the influence.
Fatal Collision on Pacific Highway South
The crash occurred at approximately 10:45 p.m. local time on October 23 along Pacific Highway South in Federal Way. According to police and media reports, a vehicle collided with another at an intersection, lost control, and veered off the road into a sidewalk where Tuiasososopo was standing. Emergency responders pronounced the 16-year-old dead at the scene from his injuries.
Federal Way High School Standout and Athletic Dynasty
Tuiasososopo attended Federal Way High School, where he was a rising prospect in the Class of 2028. Standing 6 feet 1 inch and weighing 230 pounds, he played running back and linebacker during his varsity season. Teammates shared that he harbored ambitions of winning a state championship. His death occurred just hours after he finished playing in a game at a nearby stadium.
The teenager belonged to a well-known athletic family with deep ties to professional sports. His great-uncle, Manu Tuiasososopo, was selected in the first round of the 1979 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks and later won a Super Bowl with the San Francisco 49ers. Manu’s son, Marques Tuiasososopo, was the 2001 Rose Bowl MVP and played eight seasons as an NFL quarterback. Another cousin, Zach Tuiasososopo, spent time with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles, while other family members competed in Major League Baseball and collegiate athletics.
Family Remembers Tuiasososopo as Driver Faces Homicide Charges
Tuiasososopo’s family released a statement following the tragedy, remembering him as a compassionate and energetic presence. “His bright energy and positive presence reached far beyond what our family could have ever imagined,” the family said. “In the midst of this devastating tragedy, we are witnessing how deeply he touched and influenced the lives of so many.”
The driver responsible remains in custody facing charges of vehicular homicide and driving under the influence as local law enforcement continues its investigation into the crash.
