Teen Killed on Sidewalk After Drunk Driver’s Turn

A 0.170 blood alcohol concentration reading marked the initial assessment of the driver behind the fatal crash that killed a 16-year-old football player in Federal Way. The accident occurred just hours after the teen finished a game for the Eagles.

DeeJay Tuiasosopo died at the scene around 10:48 p.m. on Friday, October 23. He was walking home after Federal Way defeated White River in a late-season football match. The collision took place at the intersection of Pacific Highway South and South 304th Street.

Charging documents identify 29-year-old Chris Emory as the suspect. Emory drove a Ford F-150 northbound on Pacific Highway. He positioned his vehicle in the westbound turn lane, which had a flashing yellow signal. A southbound Lexus traveled through a green light. Emory failed to yield and made a left turn, striking the Lexus. The impact sent the Lexus into the sidewalk where Tuiasosopo stood. Police reported the teen was thrown dozens of feet into the parking lot of 30405 Pacific Hwy S.

Emory remained at the scene. Officers arrested him for vehicular homicide. He provided a preliminary breath test at 11:16 p.m. that registered 0.170. A later blood test at the Federal Way police department at 1:38 a.m. showed a BAC of 0.124. Washington state sets the legal limit at 0.08. A judge set his bond at $200,000.

Family members and teammates built a memorial near the Marathon gas station on Pacific Highway. The group placed flowers, photos, and Tuiasosopo’s favorite snacks at the site. The Tuiasosopo family issued a statement on Facebook describing the loss of their son, brother, and cousin. They asked the public to respect their privacy and route communication through Kathlye Tuiasosopo.

The family created an email address, longlivedeejaytui@gmail.com, for community members to share memories. Eagles head coach Marcus Yzaguirre posted on social media that Tuiasosopo was a student, player, and friend who made every place better with his smile and presence. He noted the teen’s long association with the local community from elementary school through high school.