Funviralpark BYU offensive lineman Sione Veikoso died Friday in a construction accident in Hawaii. he was 22 years old.
According to Hawaii’s KITV 4, Veikoso died after falling into a rock wall at his home outside Kailua. He was one of his three trapped under the rubble of the wall. Two other people trapped were taken to hospital in critical condition.
At 12:13 pm, the first person was rescued from the rubble and transported to emergency medical services (EMS) in critical condition. A second person was quickly rescued and transferred to her EMS, also in critical condition.
A third person was found further under the rubble, and firefighters were able to clear the remaining debris and rescue him.The person was confirmed dead at 1:35 p.m.
BYU coach Kalani Sitake tweeted late Friday night: “Very saddened to learn of the tragic passing of one of our brothers, Shione Veikoso.” ‘s passing is heartbreaking for all of us.We send our deepest condolences and prayers to his family and share their grief.Our love for you is eternal, Sione!”
In a statement to Honolulu Star-Advertiser, his family said that as a teenager, he worked to support his single mother before she died seven years ago. His two other men working at the scene suffered minor injuries, according to the Honolulu Fire Department.
The family called Veicoso a “great kid” who showed “selflessness” and worked to financially support his single mother, who died seven years earlier.
“He was a gentle giant who loved his family. He was trustworthy and caring,” said Veikoso’s cousin Joshua Kava in a written statement to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
According to Kava, Veikoso has two sisters, Mele and Sanimata, and a brother, also named Sione.
A native of Kailua, Veikoso played for Arizona State in 2021 before transferring to BYU before the 2022 season. He went to ASU after serving a two-year mission with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Brazil.
The 6-7, 305-pound lineman appeared in one game for the Cougars in 2022 as a redshirt freshman. His cousin Sione Kaba served as his tackle defensively for Oregon during his two seasons in 2018-19, and his cousin Ishi his Sofore, his second in the running for Cal in 2009-12. it was back
