Former Washington Huskies defensive lineman Voi Tunuufi has died after a tragic car crash in Utah. He was just 23 years old.
According to reports, Tunuufi was behind the wheel of an SUV late Sunday night in his hometown of West Jordan when the deadly accident occurred around 11:15 p.m.
Authorities say the crash involved Tunuufi’s SUV, a commercial vehicle, and a pickup truck, though investigators have not yet revealed exactly what caused the collision.
The former college football star was rushed to the hospital after the crash but later died from his injuries.
The heartbreaking news has devastated the college football community, especially at the University of Washington, where Tunuufi spent four seasons making a name for himself as one of the team’s hardest-working players.
Washington head coach Jedd Fisch remembered Tunuufi as a player beloved by everyone around him.
“Voi was a hardworking, passionate and dedicated member of this football program,” Fisch said in a statement.
“He was universally beloved and respected by his teammates and coaches.”
Tunuufi was part of Washington’s memorable 2023 season that ended with a trip to the College Football Playoff National Championship against the Michigan Wolverines.
Over the course of his college career, the defensive lineman played in 52 games and recorded 86 tackles, 12.5 sacks, and a forced fumble.
Despite being considered undersized for his position at around six feet tall, teammates said he played with nonstop intensity and heart.
“When he was on the field, he played harder than anyone,” teammate Faatui Tuitele said.
“Voi is the definition of heart over height.”
Loved ones have since flooded social media with emotional tributes remembering Tunuufi for his kindness, humor, and selflessness off the field.
His sister described him as someone with “contagious laughter” who always put others before himself.
A GoFundMe page created to help his family with funeral costs has already raised tens of thousands of dollars as fans and former teammates rally around his grieving loved ones.