Federal Way driver faces $200,000 bail

A 29-year-old man accused of driving under the influence will post $200,000 in bail while prosecutors evaluate the case against him. The amount was set during his first court appearance on Saturday. A judge found probable cause to arrest him on suspicion of vehicular homicide.

The collision occurred just before 11 p.m. Friday at the intersection of South 304th Street and Pacific Highway. Police reported that two vehicles struck each other in the intersection. One car was pushed onto the sidewalk, where it hit Tuiasosopo. The victim had played in a football game earlier that evening, roughly one block from the crash site.

The driver was expected to return to the Kent Regional Justice Center on Monday. His next scheduled appearance is later this week. The King County Prosecutor's Office stated that a formal charging decision is expected on Wednesday. Court documents were filed in King County Superior Court.

More than 100 people attended a community vigil over the weekend to remember the Federal Way High School student. A memorial of candles and flowers has accumulated at the intersection where he died. Tuiasosopo is part of the prominent Tuiasosopo athletic family. David Rodriguez, a friend and fellow student, noted that the teenager remained positive even during difficult practices and games.

"He was like a positive guy," Rodriguez said. "Even in like 'down times' like practice, no matter how bad it got, even in games, this guy was always positive. Always laughing, always cracking jokes, and that's why everybody's out here, because they want to enjoy the memories that they had with him."

Tuiasosopo's family expressed gratitude for the community support in a written statement. They noted that his energy and presence reached far beyond their immediate family. The family stated that he learned just how many lives he touched through this tragedy. They added that Tuiasosopo prioritized academics and athletics and genuinely cared for everyone he met.