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Polo Manukainiu (1994-2013): Rest in Peace

July 31, 2013
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Liucci's thoughts on Polo Manukainiu

"Make sure you say a prayer for Polo Manukainiu and his family. In particular, say a prayer for his mother. The two were very, very close and Polo looked out for her and his entire family. Forget about all of the other nonsense for a moment and at least have Polo in your thoughts again today."

"For those who don't know, Polo is a close relative of former Aggie O-lineman Semisi Heimuli, who is a good friend of mine and has been since his A&M days back in the mid-90s, so I knew about Polo before he emerged as a coveted target for the Aggies. Because of the connection, Polo and I always talked about Semisi when we saw each other and the young Aggie D-lineman was very close with his family. 

"I know most of you didn't get to know his personality very well because he redshirted last year and had yet to play, so let me just say that Polo had a great spirit about him, a wonderful smile that made everyone around him want to laugh and he was a really funny guy. He really was still a big kid trying to figure it all out, which is what makes me as sad as anything else when I'm thinking about him no longer being with us.

"Let's all pray for Polo, the other victims of the accident and his entire family in their time of need.

"Had some really enjoyable conversations with you Polo and I'm hurting for you today, my man.

"Here."



Official press release from Texas A&M

AGGIE FOOTBALL PLAYER POLO MANUKAINIU KILLED IN CAR CRASH

COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Texas A&M redshirt freshman defensive lineman Polo Manukainiu (pronounced mah-NEW-ky-a-new) was killed in a one-vehicle rollover accident on U.S. Highway 550 in Sandoval County in New Mexico on Monday, July 29 at 6:52 p.m. mountain time.

According to the report from the New Mexico State Police, he was a passenger in a 2002 Toyota Sequoia traveling south on U.S. 550 and the vehicle drifted off of the roadway and the driver over corrected and the vehicle rolled several times. Manukainiu and another passenger, Andrew Uhatafe, were ejected from the vehicle and deceased at the scene. Gaius Vaenuku, an incoming member of the Utah football team, was transported from the scene of the accident but was pronounced deceased in the ambulance. The driver and a fifth passenger were transported to San Juan Regional Hospital after sustaining minor injuries. Alcohol was not involved and it appears the driver was the only one wearing a seat belt.

“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.”

Manukainiu, 19, was a recreation, parks and tourism science major and he is survived by his mother, Lima Uhatafe of Euless. Manukainiu helped Trinity High School to an undefeated regular season and the state playoffs in 2011 as an all-district defensive end and was a four-star recruit according to ESPN.

 
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