The college football community is reeling from the tragic loss. The former three-star prospect out of Salt Lake City, Utah, Voi Tunuufi, has passed away at the age of 23, on Sunday, May 3. The former Big Ten defender spent four seasons with the Washington Huskies. 

According to Andy Yamashita of The Seattle Times, Tunuufi's sister, Sanita, confirmed that the Huskies defender passed away in a car accident.

“Our hearts are with the Tunuufi family, his loved ones, and every brother who wore the W beside him. Forever in The Pack," the Washington Football official handle paid their tribute.

According to Voi's profile on GoHuskies.com, the 6-foot-1, 282-pound defensive lineman racked up 86 tackles, 15.5 tackles for a loss, 12.5 sacks, two pass deflections, and a forced fumble during his four seasons. His final appearance for the Huskies came in the 2024 Sun Bowl. 

Throughout his time as a collegiate player, Tunuufi played under various coaches. While he signed to play for coach Jimmy Lake, he stayed and played under two more coaches: Kalen DeBoer and Jedd Fisch.

 “It was an easy decision to choose Seattle,” Voi’s sister, Sanita Tunuufi, said. “It wasn’t because of the coaches. It wasn’t because of the staff. It was because he loved UW. He loved being in Seattle.”

Tunuufi played in 52 games, making 14 starts, which included 11 during his senior season. The defender was also a part of the magical 2023 season when the Huskies played in the Sugar Bowl and national championship game. 

He could rush from the interior in passing situations and still hold his own on the edge against the run, giving the defense flexibility wherever it needed help.

Tunuufi was getting ready to take on his next challenge in life with his high school head coach. 

Voi Tunuufi Was Set to Step Into a New Journey With High School Coach

After finishing four years in college, the defensive end participated in Washington’s Pro Day. But he was not selected for the 2025 NFL Draft or the rookie mini camp. 

Tunuufi spent last year training to enter either the Canadian Football League or the UFL (United Football League). 

In the meantime, the defender was getting ready to go and coach at Skyline High in Salt Lake City as a defensive line coach. It would have reunited Tunuufi with his former East High coach, Brandon Matich.

“He’s the best football player I ever coached,” Matich said. “And he was an even better person. Everybody loved Voi. The calls I’ve gotten from people I haven’t heard from in years have been reaching out. He was a powerful personality.”

While his dreams may have gone unfulfilled, he will be remembered for the mark he left on football and the kindness and love he gave to friends, family, and teammates.

Let us know your thoughts and memories of Tunuufi in the comments section.

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Written by

Samvruth Raj

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar