Federal Way, WA – A 16-year-old Federal Way High School student, identified in court documents as Daniel Tuiasosopo, died Friday night after being struck by a car on Pacific Highway South. The incident occurred around 11 p.m. near the intersection of Pacific Highway South and South 304th Street, close to Memorial Stadium.
Federal Way police reported that two cars, a Ford F-150 pickup and a Lexus sedan, collided before the sedan struck Tuiasosopo, who was on the sidewalk. Authorities and first responders arrived at the scene and attempted to save Tuiasosopo, but he was pronounced dead. Family members identified the student to KOMO News as Deejay Tuiasosopo.
According to court documents, surveillance footage of the crash showed the Ford F-150 driver making a left turn at a flashing yellow arrow. The pickup driver reportedly failed to yield to the approaching Lexus sedan, which had a green light. The collision between the two vehicles resulted in the Lexus striking Tuiasosopo.
Police arrested the 29-year-old driver of the pickup on suspicion of vehicular homicide. An officer at the scene reported smelling alcohol near the pickup and on the driver. The driver informed police that he had consumed a tall can of beer. A preliminary breath test registered 0.170, as stated in court documents. Subsequent breath testing conducted at the police department produced readings ranging from 0.122 to 0.124. Police also obtained a warrant to collect blood samples from the driver.
Both drivers involved in the collision remained at the scene following the incident, according to KIRO 7. During a Saturday hearing, a judge found probable cause for the arrest and granted prosecutors' request for $200,000 bail for the pickup driver. The King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office stated they anticipate receiving the case from Federal Way police by Wednesday to make a charging decision. Formal charges have not yet been filed.
Deejay Tuiasosopo's family has deep roots in regional athletics. An aunt confirmed to KOMO News that he was part of the Tuiasosopo family, which includes numerous professional athletes and coaches in the area. His grandfather was the brother of Manu Tuiasosopo, a former Seattle Seahawks player. His aunts and uncles include Marques Tuiasosopo, a former University of Washington quarterback, and Leslie Gabriel, the current head coach for the University of Washington women's volleyball team.
Friends of Deejay Tuiasosopo shared that he harbored dreams of winning a state championship this year. Those aspirations were cut short at his young age. In the wake of the tragedy, family and friends gathered at the scene on Saturday, establishing a makeshift memorial with balloons, flowers, and candles. Federal Way police continue to investigate the incident.
