Tragedy struck the Brigham Young University (BYU) football community when 22-year-old offensive lineman Sione Veikoso lost his life in a construction accident in his hometown of Kailua, Hawaii. Veikoso was assisting in repairing a 15-foot retaining wall when it collapsed, resulting in his death and injuries to three others.
Veikoso, a 6-foot-7, 305-pound lineman, had recently completed his first season at BYU after transferring from Arizona State. His cousin, Joshua Kava, described him as a “gentle giant who loved his family” and noted his reliability and caring nature.
BYU football coach Kalani Sitake expressed his grief, stating, “We are extremely saddened to learn of the tragic death of one of our brothers, Sione Veikoso. His passing is heartbreaking to all of us. Our love for you is forever, Sione!”
The Honolulu Fire Department reported that firefighters arrived at the scene to find bystanders attempting to remove rocks from atop the trapped individuals. Veikoso was trapped deeper beneath the rubble and was pronounced dead at 1:35 p.m. after being extricated.
In response to the tragedy, BYU Football has organized a GoFundMe campaign to assist with funeral expenses for Veikoso’s family.
The BYU community mourns the loss of a promising young athlete and extends condolences to his family and friends during this difficult tim
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SAD NEWS: BYU Football Player, 20, Dead After Wall Collapses at a Hawaii Home: ‘He Was a Gentle Giant’
In a heartbreaking tragedy, Sione Veikoso, a 20-year-old football player from Brigham Young University (BYU), tragically passed away after a wall collapsed at a home in Kailua, Hawaii. The devastating accident occurred while Veikoso was assisting with construction work, marking the untimely and sorrowful end to the young athlete’s life. The loss has left his family, friends, teammates, and the entire BYU community reeling.
The Tragic Accident
The incident occurred on the afternoon of December 30, 2022, when Veikoso, a 6-foot-7, 305-pound offensive lineman, was helping his family repair a retaining wall at a property in Kailua, located on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. The wall, which stood at 15 feet, suddenly collapsed while the group was working, trapping Veikoso beneath the rubble. According to authorities, several others were also injured, but Veikoso, who was pinned more deeply under the debris, could not be saved.
Emergency responders from the Honolulu Fire Department arrived promptly at the scene. Bystanders had already begun attempting to lift rocks and debris off the trapped individuals before rescue teams could fully extricate them. Despite their efforts, Veikoso was pronounced dead shortly after he was freed from the rubble. He was just 20 years old.
A “Gentle Giant” and “Loyal Friend”
The tragic loss has been met with an outpouring of grief and tributes from those who knew Veikoso, both on and off the field. His cousin, Joshua Kava, who also expressed devastation over the loss, described him as a “gentle giant,” someone who was beloved for his kindness and larger-than-life personality. Kava spoke of Veikoso’s immense physical stature—standing at 6 feet 7 inches and weighing 305 pounds—but emphasized that the young man was known for his gentle nature, humility, and loyalty.
“Sione was a great young man,” Kava said in an emotional interview. “He wasn’t just a huge football player; he was a gentle giant, someone who took care of others and was always there for family and friends. His heart was as big as he was.”
This sentiment was echoed by many others who knew Veikoso during his time at BYU and in his home community of Kailua. His football coach, Kalani Sitake, described the tragic news as a blow to the entire BYU football program, calling Veikoso a beloved member of their family. Sitake stated, “We are extremely saddened to learn of the tragic death of one of our brothers, Sione Veikoso. His passing is heartbreaking to all of us. His love for his teammates and coaches was clear, and his joyful spirit will never be forgotten. Our love for you is forever, Sione!”
BYU teammates and coaches took to social media to share their tributes and offer condolences to Veikoso’s family. Many remembered him as a bright and promising young man who had a strong presence on and off the field. His friends and teammates described him as someone who was always willing to lend a helping hand, a person who treated everyone with kindness and respect.
Veikoso’s impact extended beyond football, and his kindness was apparent in the way he interacted with everyone around him. He was well-liked not only for his athletic ability but also for his positive and encouraging attitude. He made lasting impressions on the people who had the privilege of knowing him, and his untimely passing has left a void in many hearts.
Veikoso’s Football Career
Veikoso had just begun to make his mark at BYU. The 20-year-old was a standout offensive lineman who had transferred to BYU after spending his freshman season at Arizona State University. At the time of his death, he was preparing for his second season with the Cougars and was viewed as a player with immense potential. As an offensive lineman, his size, skill, and dedication to the game made him a valuable asset to the team.
BYU coaches had high hopes for Veikoso’s future on the football field. The young athlete had shown immense improvement during his time at BYU, and his hard work had earned him the respect of his teammates and coaches. His athleticism, along with his hardworking and humble nature, had made him a role model for younger players within the program.
Veikoso’s coaches and teammates described him as a player who gave his all in every practice and game. His commitment to the team was unwavering, and his passion for the sport was evident in his attitude toward the game. Though he had only spent a short time at BYU, Veikoso quickly became a beloved figure within the football program.
The Community Mourns
In the wake of this tragedy, the community in Kailua, as well as the broader BYU family, has come together to mourn the loss of a young man who was taken too soon. The support for Veikoso’s family has been overwhelming, with many offering their thoughts, prayers, and condolences. In an effort to assist the grieving family with funeral expenses, a GoFundMe campaign was set up to help with financial needs during this difficult time.
BYU also announced that they would be holding a memorial service in honor of Veikoso, allowing teammates, coaches, friends, and family members to come together to celebrate his life and pay their respects. The service was expected to be an emotional occasion, with many sharing fond memories and stories about the young football player who had such an impact on those around him.
A Lasting Legacy
While the loss of Sione Veikoso is felt deeply, his memory will live on through the lives he touched. The young athlete’s legacy of kindness, loyalty, and dedication to his family and his team will continue to inspire those who knew him. Though his life was tragically cut short, Veikoso’s spirit, love for his family, and passion for football will remain an important part of the BYU community and beyond.
Veikoso’s death serves as a reminder of how fragile life can be and the importance of cherishing every moment with those we hold dear. His passing may have left an irreplaceable void, but his memory will continue to inspire and bring strength to all those who were lucky enough to know him.
As the community remembers Sione Veikoso, they will not only mourn the loss of a promising athlete but also celebrate the life of a young man who lived with kindness, integrity, and a love for his family and teammates. He may be gone, but his impact on those around him will not be forgotten.
