Tragic Loss: Former UW Football Star Voi Tunuufi Dies at 23 in Car Crash

Voi Tunuufi, a standout former football player for the University of Washington, has tragically passed away at the young age of 23.

His oldest sister, Sanita Tunuufi, revealed to local media that Voi lost his life in a car accident early Monday morning, May 4, at 1:30 a.m. A GoFundMe page set up by Sanita in his memory has already begun to gain traction.

Details surrounding the accident remain scarce, but the outpouring of love and support for Voi is palpable. “Voi was known as the goofy guy, the one with the contagious laughter,” the GoFundMe states. “He was always willing to go without so that someone else was on top. He never shied away from any opportunity to serve those of his village.”

The fundraiser aims to alleviate financial burdens for his family as they face incoming bills. “I ask that you donate what you can, anything helps,” Sanita urged, as the campaign had already raised over $18,000.

The University of Washington football program expressed their condolences via social media, stating, “Our hearts are with the Tunuufi family, his loved ones and every brother who wore the W beside him. Forever in The Pack.”

Voi was an edge rusher who played 52 games for the Huskies from 2021 to 2024. His sister shared insights into his decision to attend UW: “It was an easy decision to choose Seattle. 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.”

After a stellar high school career at East High in Salt Lake City, Voi committed to Washington but went undrafted in the NFL. He was preparing to join his former high school coach, Brandon Matich, as the defensive line coach at Skyline High in Salt Lake City at the time of his untimely death.