Provo, Utah – BYU football offensive lineman Sione Veikoso has passed away at the age of 22.
Veikoso died in a construction accident in his hometown of Kailua, Hawaii. Three others were seriously injured in the crash of the retaining wall.
Following the BYU football program’s official statement regarding Veikoso’s passing, players and coaches from the BYU family shared their memories of Veikoso. The college football community also extended its condolences to Mr. Veikoso, his family, and his BYU program.
This is part of a tribute to Sione Veikoso on social media.
BYU football head coach Kalani Shitake
We are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death of one of our brothers, Sione Veikoso. His death is heartbreaking for all of us. We send our deepest condolences and prayers to his family and share their grief. Our love for you is forever, Sione! https://t.co/F2xSEynQpM
— Kalani F. Shitake (@kalanifsitake) December 31, 2022
Utah Governor Spencer Cox
Awful news. Our hearts are with the Sione family. https://t.co/lLAzWb1Bkz
— Spencer Cox (@SpencerJCox) December 31, 2022
BYU Athletic Director Tom Holmo
The BYU football family mourns the loss of dear teammate and fellow Cougars Sione Veikoso. May his family and friends feel our love and faith during this most sacred and difficult time. May peace be with you forever, Sione. https://t.co/mcLuYjlf6M
— Tom Holmoe (@TomHolmoe) December 31, 2022
Senior Associate Associate Director Liz Darger
All of Sione’s loved ones, family, friends, coaches and teammates wish him peace as he mourns his passing. 💙 https://t.co/d61rvgC45V
— Liz Darger (@lizdarger) December 31, 2022
BYU Running Back Coach Harvey Unga
One of the brightest and most energetic guys on the team. He’s a beast on the field, but off the field he’s the kindest person. With love and prayers to Shione’s family 💙🙏🏾💙 https://t.co/CyNbncqo84
— Harvey Unga (@unga45) December 31, 2022
Pass Game Coordinator Fesi Sitake
I will miss this young man’s smile. I was lucky to get to know him. his life is precious. Remember that he often tells his loved ones how much he loves them. RIL Shione 🙏🏽🕊️ https://t.co/Kl0xEi9nxU
— Reply Shitake (@fsitake) December 31, 2022
Defensive Assistant Shione Pouha
“Eiki” that rocks, relaxes and sleeps peacefully.🕊🙏🏽❤️ https://t.co/rKfHzWyvil
— Sione Puha (@Pouha91) December 31, 2022
Associate Head Coach Jay Hill
Rest in peace Shione. Our prayers go out to your family, friends and loved ones. https://t.co/6IzrRNUaB8
— Jay Hill (@CoachJayHill) December 31, 2022
Analyst Gavin Fowler
Absolutely heartbreaking. Sione had a huge heart and a very exalted spirit. We all miss him. Love in love brother. 💔 https://t.co/leAhLU962X
— Gavin Fowler (@gavinowler16) December 31, 2022
Campus Experience Director Brandon Bradley
Hey, it seems like just yesterday we were eating and chopping on the docks of Deer Creek. Bless your family and watch over us all. RIP🕊️🕊️https://t.co/h4lIUrKwi1
— Brandon Bradley (@Bbradley_BYU) December 31, 2022
Football Relations Director Jacques Damni
his dream was always to play for @BYU soccerIn the field he was a quiet, hardworking man on a mission. When practice was over, he was the most soft-spoken and humble person in the locker room.
love and peace
😭😭😭 https://t.co/z9SfNs6Qgq— #IamJackDamuni 🇫🇯 (@JackDamuni) December 31, 2022
Utah cornerback coach Sharif Shah
To the brothers in the South and the family of Sione Veikoso, my deepest condolences for Sione’s untimely passing. May God continue to bless and protect you during this difficult time. https://t.co/VCHVSHIDhE
— Sharif Shah Sr. (@UteReef33) December 31, 2022
Washington state head coach Jake Dickert
My thoughts and prayers go out to the BYU football family and Sione’s family and friends as they get through this difficult time. https://t.co/4XHg9Hzaol
— Jake Dickert (@CoachDickert) December 31, 2022
Washington State Running Back Coach, Former BYU RB Mark Atuaia
Now reverberating in the Tongan/Poly community. His high school coach was a former teammate of mine, so I recruited him from Kailua High School a few years ago. Folks, life is very fragile. Good night in love, Touko https://t.co/1YSuASAJv8
— Mark Atuaia (@CoachAtuaia) December 31, 2022
Hilinsky’s Hope Foundation
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Shione’s family and friends. I am very sorry. ❤️❤️❤️
— Hilinski’s Hope (@HilinskisHope) December 31, 2022
hawaii rainbow warriors football
Send prayers to our friends at @BYU soccer And to the Veikoso family. Rest in peace, John. 💙💚https://t.co/PhOtFVaVGY
— Hawaii Football (@HawaiiFootball) December 31, 2022
Hawaii wide receiver coach, former Southern Utah T-Bird Jared Ursua
With Kailua Ohana prayers 💚🌈#TillWeMeet https://t.co/5BTqNYAYEo
— Jared Ursua (@ursua05) December 31, 2022
BYU linebacker Max Tooley
It breaks my heart to see teammates, roommates and true friends leave this world so soon. One of the nicest people I’ve ever met. Rest in paradise Shione 🫶🏻https://t.co/oJilmULtHf
— Maxwell Tooley (@maxtooley23) December 31, 2022
Offensive tackle Kingsley Suamataia
💔@SioneVeikoso72 pic.twitter.com/5XHpeHWBoM
—Kingsley KMA SUAMATAIA (@baby76kings) December 31, 2022
Offensive Lineman Lisa Thai
😭😭😭😭
— Lisala Tai (@lisalatai58) December 31, 2022
Silence! We’ve talked about the future many times here at Y. I love you and I miss you tokoua! Ofus brothers! LL72😓💙🕊️ https://t.co/sv4mA2ZQzL
— Lisala Tai (@lisalatai58) December 31, 2022
Lorenzo Fauatea
I love you big brother🤍🕊️ #72 https://t.co/1wUku9e9ej
— Lorenzo Fauatea 🇼🇸 (@ZFauatea) December 31, 2022
Joe Tuquahu
Offer more. Say hello to Grandpa! ! https://t.co/UNGn3IqDCI
— JTØG🇹🇴 (@JTukuafu104) December 31, 2022
houston heimli
Rest in Love tokoua https://t.co/mRyuv3wORt
— Houston Heimuli (@HHeimuli) December 31, 2022
BYU Signatories Siale Esera
lil @SioneVeikoso72 May God be with the Veikoso family during this difficult time. Good morning 🙏🏽💙🙏🏽 https://t.co/mKM52deVY2
— Siale Tuiteelagi Ezra (@EzraSiale) December 31, 2022
Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and Cougar Tracks Podcast (apply) and Cougar Sports Saturday (Saturdays from 12:00pm to 3:00pm) air on KSL Newsradio. Follow Mitch on Twitter for his coverage of BYU moving to the Big 12 Conference. @Mitch_Harper.