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EULESS, Texas — The funeral services for a University of Utah freshman who was killed in a car accident earlier in the week was held Saturday.
Family, friends and acquaintances gathered for a private funeral in Euless, Texas Saturday afternoon to lay Gaius Vaenuku to rest.
Vaenuku was killed when the SUV he was riding in rolled in New Mexico, killing two other passengers and injuring two others. The group was driving back to Texas from Utah for one last weekend before fall camp started.
The family held a memorial service Friday night, with hundreds turning out to support the family. Family members said Vaenuku's vibrant personality was one of the things they will miss the most.
Utah football coaches Kyle Whittingham, Kalani Sitake, Morgan Scalley, Ilaisa Tuiaki and Sharrieff Shah were all present at the funeral.
Vaenuku had planned to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints following his freshman year at Utah. In high school, Vaenuku was the 2012 District 6-5A Defensive Player of the Year in Texas and was also named first-team all-district.
