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Two co-defendants were charged with Vehicular Homicide on Wednesday, with one defendant currently at large.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated with details from the Oct. 28 hearing.
The Federal Way and local football community are hurting following the news of a young player’s death following the Eagles’ football game on Oct. 23.
DeeJay Tuiasosopo, 16, had just finished a thrilling win over White River as Federal Way hung on late to beat the Hornets, early Friday night. Following the game, he was walking home when a drunk driver caused a collision with another vehicle, which then struck Tuiasosopo around 10:48 p.m. at the intersection of Pacific Highway South and South 304th Street.
Police officers and fire personnel provided aid, but the teen died at the scene, according to police.
Charging documents say that the drunk driver was 29-year-old Chris Emory, who was driving a Ford F-150. Emory was northbound on Pacific Highway and was in the westbound turn lane, which had a flashing yellow light at 304th. A Lexus driven by Luis Cortes Santos was traveling at high speeds southbound through a green light when Emory failed to yield to it, made a left-hand turn and collided with Santos. Santos’ car then hit Tuisosopo who was standing on the sidewalk. Update documents reveal that the teen was thrown 121 feet across the parking lot of 30405 Pacific Hwy S. Santos’ car then hit a light post.
Emory and Santos stayed at the scene. Emory was suspected of driving under the influence and was arrested for vehicular homicide, according to charging documents.
Emory had exhibited a reading of 0.170 on the initial preliminary breath test at 11:16 p.m. and later was tested for his blood alcohol content at the Federal Way police department at 1:38 a.m., where the test showed that Emory had a 0.124 BAC. Both readings are over the legal limit in Washington state of 0.08.
On Wednesday, Oct. 28, Emory was formally charged with Vehicular Homicide – Driving Under the Influence and Disregard for the Safety of Others. His bond has been set at $200,000. His arraignment is scheduled for Nov. 2 at 9 a.m. in Kent.
Prosecutors also charged 20-year-old Santos with Vehicular Homicide as a co-defendant in the case, with charging documents saying that he had been driving much faster than the roadway’s speed limit of 45 mph. Santos is at large and King County Prosecutors have requested a warrant of $200,000 to bring him into custody.
Remembering Deejay
Teammates and family of Tuiasosopo made a memorial in front of the Marathon gas station on Pacific Hwy where they have placed flowers, photos and his favorite snacks as a way to remember him. The Tuiasosopo family has released the following statement on Facebook:
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the devastating news of the passing of our son, brother, nephew and cousin, Daniel “DeeJay” Tuiasosopo.”
“Our family is grieving an unimaginable loss right now, and we kindly ask everyone to respect our privacy during this incredibly difficult time. We understand there are many questions and that many of you want to reach out to show love and support. However, we ask that you please allow our immediate family the time and space we need to process this sudden tragedy and grieve together.”
We respect that you refrain from contacting my sister, Nellie, her children, our mother Joann directly at this time for any updates and details. All communication will be going through me, Kathlye for the time being as our family tries to navigate this heartbreaking loss.”
We will share more information when we are ready. Thank you to everyone for your understanding, love and respect during this heartbreaking time.”
There is also an email created by the Tuiasosopo family for members of the community to share images, videos and memories with the family: [email protected]
The Mirror has reached out to Eagles’ head coach Marcus Yzaguirre but has not heard back. Yzaguirre has released the following post on social media:
“We lost a student, player, friend, family member, and teammate. Deejay was special! He was a big part of our community from Elem, Middle, and this Yr of HS. His smile, personality, and presence made every place better. He is truly loved! Deejay, we will miss you!”
