A memorial will be held Nov. 20 for Daniel “Deejay” Tuiasosopo, the 16-year-old Federal Way High School student and multisport athlete whose death has prompted an outpouring of support from family, friends, classmates and the community.
Titled “Celebration of Deejay’s Legacy,” the two-day gathering will take place at Christian Faith Center, 33645 20th Ave. S. in Federal Way. The first service is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 20, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. A second gathering will be held Saturday, Nov. 21, from 8 to 11:30 a.m.
Tuiasosopo was struck and killed Oct. 23 after two vehicles collided and one left the roadway, hitting him as he stood on a sidewalk. He had been celebrating Senior Night with his Federal Way football teammates and planned to continue the celebration with family.
Both drivers remained at the scene. A 29-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of vehicular homicide after police suspected he was driving under the influence.
“Heartbroken doesn’t express what we feel as a family,” Tuiasosopo’s mother, Nellie, posted on Facebook. “Please know that the tributes, memorials, words of encouragement, moments of silence, prayers and contributions have brought much comfort in the midst of sorrow.”
The family is collecting videos and photographs for a slideshow honoring Tuiasosopo’s life and legacy. He was known for his long, curly hair, infectious smile and generosity.
Tuiasosopo also came from a prominent football family. His great-uncle, Manu Tuiasosopo, was a first-round pick in the 1979 NFL draft, played for the Seattle Seahawks and won a Super Bowl with the San Francisco 49ers. His cousin, Marques Tuiasosopo, played quarterback at the University of Washington, earned Rose Bowl MVP honors twice and is an offensive assistant coach for the Detroit Lions.
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