A Brigham Young University (BYU) offensive lineman has died in a construction accident in Hawaii, the university's football coach confirmed. Sione Veikoso, 22, was working on a 15-foot retaining wall behind a home in Kailua when it collapsed on Friday, according to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
Several people were trapped in the rubble. Two other workers were injured and are in serious condition, KITV reported. No cause for the accident has been determined.
BYU head coach Kalani Sitake expressed his condolences on Twitter, saying: 'We are extremely saddened to learn of the tragic death of one of our brothers, Sione Veikoso. His passing is heartbreaking to all of us. We offer our deepest condolences and prayers to his family as we share in their grief. Our love for you is forever, Sione!'
Veikoso, who stood 6-foot-7 and weighed 305 pounds, appeared in one game as a redshirt freshman for BYU in 2022. He previously spent the 2021 season at Arizona State before transferring. After graduating from Kailua High School, he served a full-time religious mission in Brazil from 2018 to 2020.
His cousin, Josh Kava, described him as 'a gentle giant who loved his family' in a statement to the Star-Advertiser. BYU athletics director Tom Holmoe also paid tribute on Twitter, saying: 'The BYU Football Family mourns the passing of our dear teammate and fellow Cougar, Sione Veikoso. May his family and friends feel our love and faith at this most sacred and difficult time. Peace be with you now and forever Sione.'
