Texas A&M redshirt freshman defensive lineman Polo Manukainiu and University of Utah freshman defensive tackle Gaius Vaenuku were killed in a single-car accident in northern New Mexico on Monday night, according to officials from both schools.
Thirteen-year-old Andrew Uhatafe, who was also in the car, also was killed. Utah freshman offensive tackle Salesi Uhatafe and his father were also in the car at the time of the accident. Both survived. Salesi Uhatafe is Manukainiu's stepbrother and Andrew "Lolo" Uhatafe's brother.
The accident, which took place near Cuba, N.M., occurred when the driver over-corrected and the vehicle rolled several times, New Mexico State Police said. Police also said that Manukainiu and Uhatafe were ejected from the vehicle and died at the scene. Vaenuku was pronounced dead in an ambulance while being transported to the hospital.
Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel tweeted this Tuesday morning after hearing of Manukainiu's passing:
"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"
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families.
