$200,000: The bail amount in Federal Way fatal crash

A 29-year-old man remains in custody on a $200,000 bond following a late-night collision that killed a 16-year-old Federal Way student. The driver is accused of operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol. He is currently held while the King County Prosecutor's Office determines whether to file formal charges.

The incident happened just before 11 p.m. on Friday, October 23. It took place at the intersection of South 304th Street and Pacific Highway. Police report that two cars hit each other in the middle of the crossroad. One vehicle lost control and slid onto the sidewalk. It struck Dee-Jay Tuiasosopo, who was standing near the curb. Tuiasosopo had finished a football game earlier that evening, playing just a block away from the crash site.

The driver went before a judge on Saturday, October 24. The court found probable cause to arrest him on suspicion of vehicular homicide. He was originally expected to return to the Kent Regional Justice Center on Monday. His schedule has since changed. He is now set to appear in court later this week.

Prosecutors have set a specific date for their next move. The King County Prosecutor's Office expects to make a formal charging decision on Wednesday. This decision will determine the specific criminal counts the driver will face in King County Superior Court.

Community members have gathered at the intersection in the days since the crash. A memorial of candles and flowers has accumulated at the corner. Over the weekend, more than 100 people attended a vigil to remember Tuiasosopo. He was a student-athlete at Federal Way High School and part of the well-known Tuiasosopo athletic family.

David Rodriguez, a friend and fellow student, spoke at the vigil. "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 issued a statement thanking the community for its support. They noted that his energy reached beyond their immediate circle. "Through this devastating tragedy, the family has learned just how many lives Dee-Jay touched," the family wrote. They added that he genuinely cared for everyone he met, whether it was his first time meeting them or not.