Pictured: More than 1,000 people attend funeral for Texas A&M football star killed in horrific car crash along with stepbrother and friend

  • Texas A&M lineman Polo Manukainiu, 19, died in car crash Monday after tweeting about long journey ahead on no sleep
  • Gauis Vaenuku, 18, an incoming member of the Utah football team, and 13-year-old Lolo Uhatafe also died
  • Uhatafe’s brother and father were also in the crash but survived
  • Police: SUV drifted off New Mexico highway and rolled several times
  • Service for victims held in Fort Worth suburb of Colleyville, drawing members of Tongan community in traditional garb

By Daily Mail Reporter

PUBLISHED: 14:18 EST, 10 August 2013 | UPDATED: 14:28 EST, 10 August 2013

More than 1,000 people, including players from the Texas A&M football team, attended Saturday’s funeral of a teammate who died in a car accident in New Mexico.

The service for 19-year-old Polo Manukainiu, a redshirt freshman at A&M last season, was held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Fort Worth suburb of Colleyville.

The service also memorialized Manukainiu’s 13-year-old brother Andrew ‘Lolo,’ an incoming high school freshman killed in the accident.

Last rites: The casket of Texas A&M redshirt freshman Polo Manukainiu is led in to the Church of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints before a funeral service for Manukainiu and his brother Last rites: The casket of Texas A&M redshirt freshman Polo Manukainiu is led in to the Church of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints before a funeral service for Manukainiu and his brother
Mourners: David Eteaki, left, looks on as Texas A&M football head coach Kevin Sumlin, center, family, and members of his team are greeted at a receiving line before the start of a funeral service Mourners: David Eteaki, left, looks on as Texas A&M football head coach Kevin Sumlin, center, family, and members of his team are greeted at a receiving line before the start of a funeral service
Sad welcome: Members of the Texas A&M football team and staff are greeted by a receiving line at the Church of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Sad welcome: Members of the Texas A&M football team and staff are greeted by a receiving line at the Church of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day
Tradition: Family members wore a traditional skirt called a ta'ovala to pay their respects to the brothers and their cultureTradition: Family members wore a traditional skirt called a ta’ovala to pay their respects to the brothers and their culture

Manukainiu, a defensive lineman, had played for Trinity High School in nearby Euless.

The brothers and another teen died July 29 when their vehicle rolled as they were driving from Utah to Texas. Utah recruit Gaius ‘Keio’ Vaenuku, 18, was Manukainiu’s former Trinty teammate.

The three were from Euless’ tight-knit Tongan community. Saturday’s service was conducted in both English and Tongan.

Family members wore a traditional skirt called a ta’ovala to pay their respects to the brothers and their culture.

Tupou Taufa, a cousin of the brothers, said it was very touching that the A&M players showed up to pay their respects.

Gone before his time: A display behind the casket spells out in flowers the tragic freshman's name with the dates of his birth and death Gone before his time: A display behind the casket spells out in flowers the tragic freshman’s name with the dates of his birth and death
Mother's agony: Poliana Taufa, front, Manukainiu's biological mother, weeps as she leans over his casket Mother’s agony: Poliana Taufa, front, Manukainiu’s biological mother, weeps as she leans over his casket
Family torn apart: Hinemoa Garcia, front, stands by the caskets of her nephews Polo Manukainiu, right, and Andrew 'Lolo' Uhatafe, leftFamily torn apart: Hinemoa Garcia, front, stands by the caskets of her nephews Polo Manukainiu, right, and Andrew ‘Lolo’ Uhatafe, left
Heartbroken: Sinai Falemaka, the family matriarch, fans herself as she sits on stage by the remains of the two young men Heartbroken: Sinai Falemaka, the family matriarch, fans herself as she sits on stage by the remains of the two young men

Teammates remember Manukainiu as a hard worker of high character.

‘He was a great guy, a very humble individual,’ senior defensive back Toney Hurd Jr. told ESPN Monday. ‘We were looking forward to him playing for us this year. It’s extremely emotional going into camp but we’ll dedicate our hard work and dedication to Polo throughout the season.’

Manukainiu died in the crash on Monday evening on U.S. 550 just north of Cuba, New Mexico. Manukainu’s stepbrother, 13, also lost his life and in the crash, while Lolo’s older brother, Salesi Uhatafe, and father both sustained minor injuries.

In a tragic twist, Manukainiu’s last tweet read: ’22 hour drive back to Texas on no sleep. Oh my.’

Painful moment: Tulima Uhatafe, center, with towel to her face, is consoled by relatives as she and husband Salesi Uhatafe, behind her, receive a line of guest by the caskets of their sons Parents’ worst nightmare: Tulima Uhatafe, center, with towel to her face, is consoled by relatives as she and husband Salesi Uhatafe, behind her, receive a line of guest by the caskets of their sons.
Old friend: Fua Sapoi, 18, hugs a teacher during a memorial for two of his former teammates at Trinity High School in EulessOld friend: Fua Sapoi, 18, hugs a teacher during a memorial for two of his former teammates at Trinity High School in Eules
Teammates remembered Manukainiu as a hard worker of high characterTeammates remembered Manukainiu as a hard worker of high character
Outpouring of grief: Current and former Trinity High School football players gathered to honor the lives of their deceased classmates Outpouring of grief: Current and former Trinity High School football players gathered to honor the lives of their deceased classmates

State Police said that Manukainiu, 19, and Vaenuku, 18, were passengers in a 2002 Toyota Sequoia, which was carrying five people in total, as it traveled southbound on the highway.

The vehicle drifted off of the road and the driver, believed to be Salesi Uhatafe, over-corrected, and the car rolled several times.

Manukainiu and Lolo Uhatafe were ejected and died at the scene. Vaenuku was transported from the scene but was pronounced dead in an ambulance.

The two others – Salesi and his father, Salesi Sr. – were treated for injuries. Manukainiu was the stepbrother of Salesi and Lolo Uhatafe.

Tragic: Texas A&M University football player Polo Manukainiu, 19, has died in a rollover crash in New MexicoTragic: Texas A&M University football player Polo Manukainiu, 19, has died in a rollover crash in New Mexico
Scene: This video frame grab shows police and medical personal attending to the deadly car wreckScene: This video frame grab shows police and medical personal attending to the deadly car wreck
Crash: Two of the teenagers died at the scene after the car veered off the road and rolled multiple timesCrash: Two of the teenagers died at the scene after the car veered off the road and rolled multiple timesNew Mexico State Police Sgt. Emmanuel Gutierrez confirmed that the crash occured after ‘driver inattention or fatigue’, KSL reported.Officials said alcohol wasn’t involved and it appeared the driver was the only one wearing a seatbelt, authorities said.

The tragedy came as the men were driving home for the final weekend before boot camp started for the upcoming season.

Manukainiu graduated Trinity High School in Euless, Texas in 2012 and went to Texas A&M to play.

The 6 ft 5 player, who was a recreation, parks, and tourism sciences major, was expected to make contributions on the field in the upcoming season.

Polo Eteaki Manukainiu
Polo Eteaki Manukainiu

Loss: Manukainiu, who was expected to make contributions to the field this season, died at the scene

Gaius Vaenuku
Lolo Uhatafe

Killed: University of Utah incoming freshman Gaius Vaenuku, left, and 13-year-old Lolo Uhatafe also died

‘We lost a terrific young man,’ Texas A&M head football coach Kevin Sumlin said. ‘Polo was loved by his teammates and coaches. Anyone who came in contact with him was struck by his sense of humor and smile. My heart aches for his mom and family members.’

The other victims of the crash graduated high schools in Euless this year and were also football players. In February, Vaenuku had signed to play defensive end with the University of Utah.

Utes coach Kyle Whittingham said in a statement: ‘Everyone who knew Gaius is heartbroken today. He was the kind of young man who lit up a room and his future in football and life had no boundaries.

‘Words cannot express our devastation over the loss of Gaius. This is a sad day not only for University of Utah football, but for everyone whose lives Gaius crossed or would have crossed but for this tragedy.’

Salesi Leka Uhatafe
Salesi Leka Uhatafe
 

Survivor: Salesi Uhatafe, pictured left and right, and his father both survived the deadly crash on Monday

 

Heartbreaking: Before the crash, he tweeted that they were driving from Utah to Texas 'on no sleep' - and friends urged them to pull over and sleep. Police said the crash was caused by fatigueHeartbreaking: Before the crash, he tweeted that they were driving from Utah to Texas ‘on no sleep’ – and friends urged them to pull over and sleep. Police suggested the crash was caused by fatigue

Friends and classmates have taken to social media to mourn the young men.

‘Heart hurts waking up to news about Polo.. I think I speak for everyone on our team when I say we love you brother you will be missed,’ A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel tweeted.

‘I still can’t even believe this. My heart just feels empty right now. Rest in Peace Polo. We love you big dog,’ A&M athlete Matt Davis wrote.

‘Woke up this morning truly heartbroken…i can’t believe it man. I was just with you in the locker room on Friday talkin bout camp…’ Forrest Valayka added.

Texas A&M finished last season ranked No. 5 after an 11-2 season, their first in the Southeastern Conference.

They were led by quarterback Johnny Manziel, who became the first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy, and are expected to be highly ranked again this year.

Promising: As a Trinity senior defensive lineman, Manukainiu, left, plays during a high school football game in 2011Promising: As a Trinity senior defensive lineman, Manukainiu, left, plays during a high school football game in 2011