Federal Way man held on $200,000 bond after fatal intersection crash

A 29-year-old Federal Way man is being held on a $200,000 bond following a late-night crash that killed a 16-year-old football player. Prosecutors are currently reviewing the case before filing formal charges.

The collision happened just before 11 p.m. on Friday, October 23, at the intersection of South 304th Street and Pacific Highway. Police reports state that two vehicles struck each other in the intersection. The impact pushed one car onto the sidewalk, where it hit Dee-Jay Tuiasosopo. Tuiasosopo was walking near the scene after finishing a football game earlier that evening.

The driver made his first court appearance on Saturday at the Kent Regional Justice Center. A judge determined that probable cause existed for his arrest on suspicion of vehicular homicide. Although he was originally expected to appear in court on Monday, he is scheduled to return to the courtroom later this week.

The King County Prosecutor's Office has indicated that a decision on formal charges is expected on Wednesday. The office is weighing the evidence to determine the specific counts to file against the suspect.

In the days since the crash, a memorial of candles and flowers has formed at the intersection. More than 100 community members gathered for a vigil over the weekend to remember Tuiasosopo, a student-athlete at Federal Way High School who came from a well-known athletic family.

David Rodriguez, a friend and fellow student, described Tuiasosopo as a positive presence. Rodriguez noted that Tuiasosopo remained cheerful even during difficult practices or games. The family released a statement expressing gratitude for the community support. They wrote that his energy reached beyond what they realized and that he genuinely cared for everyone he met.

Tuiasosopo was 16. The suspect is 29. The crash site is located about a block from the football field where Tuiasosopo played on Friday night.