(Federal Way, Washington) On October 24th, at the intersection of Pacific Avenue and S. 304 Street, an alleged DUI driver struck and killed Deejay Tuiasosopo on a sidewalk.
According to the Federal Way Police, the crash occurred at 10:45 p.m., shortly after a home game Tuiasosopo competed in at a high school near the crash site. The collision involved two vehicles, with one of the motorists driving onto a side-walk where Tuasosopo was standing. Shortly after, the vehicle struck him, killing him instantly.
A long-time friend of Tuiasosopo, Samson Benea, told Komo News that he was in shock when the collision had occurred. He stated “ I couldn’t really believe it, like, cause I was with him like, moments this happened.”
A 29-year-old driver had been arrested following the crash for allegedly causing a vehicular homicide while allegedly under the influence. A memorial was held for the victim that gathered over 150 people.
The family of Deejay released a statement posted by his football team on Instagram stating “He was our family’s first baby; the one who consistently made it known he was the oldest to each of them. No family should ever have to experience this kind of pain. Their brother, protector, and someone who will forever hold such a pivotal place in our hearts”.
Legal Analysis on the Pacific Avenue Crash
The driver that struck Tuiasosopo could face serious consequences since they did not yield the right-of-way to the victim. In this case, investigators may review specific vehicle codes. It is also possible that the driver was impaired with alcohol. Which may give investigators a reason to review the impairment law as well.
Based on the given information, the driver who struck Tuiasosopo violated RCW 46.61.606. This law prohibits drivers in the sidewalk and sidewalk area, unless they are on a driveway
It is unusual for a driver to strike a pedestrian in an area where no motor vehicles are supposed to be driven there. This may give investigators a reason to view the impairment law in alcohol or drugs. If the driver was impaired with alcohol, they violated RCW 46.61.502. This law prohibits driving under the influence of intoxicated liquor, cannabis or any drugs.
Because the driver caused the death of Tuiasospo, he may be arrested with vehicular homicide under RCW 46.61.520. Under this law, if one causes a death or injury of another person, has committed vehicular homicide.
When discussing specific punishments, investigators may review 9A.20.020 to determine what kind of sentences the driver could face. Based on the given information, under RCW 46.61.020, the driver may face a maximum of twenty years of imprisonment with a fine of $50,000.
Advice to the Family of Deejay Tuiasosopo
To the family of Deejay Tuiasosopo, we understand how difficult it is to lose a loved one, let alone your child in a preventable accident. It is important to reach out to family and friends during this difficult time to help ease emotional distress. If you are planning to take legal actions against the driver, you can contact a legal attorney who’s experienced in pedestrian accidents.
Have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this incident? call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
