Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
EPHRAIM — A Snow College student and football player died in a single-vehicle crash in Ephraim Sunday evening, school officials said in a news release.
The crash happened on 100 North, but no other details were provided.
Snow College on Monday identified the player as 18-year-old Mafatini Taimane-Laititi Mafatini.
"We are extremely saddened by the news of Mafatini's passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family back in Maui. Mafatini was such a bright light in this world. His smile and infectious laugh will be missed not only by our team, but by all those who knew him. Again, we give our love and prayers for his family and for all those that were involved in this terrible accident," Zac Erekson, head football coach at Snow College, said in a statement.
Mafatini was a freshman who joined the football team this season as an offensive lineman. School officials said before that, he played football in Maui, Hawaii.
Snow College President Bradley Cook thanked first responders, who worked with college officials after the crash, for "their care and concern" and expressed his sympathy to the player's family and those who knew him.
"A tragedy like this shakes all of us. We appreciate those who have delicately handled this situation with competence and pledge our support to our coaches, players, and the Mafatini family during this difficult time," Cook said.
Athletic Director Rob Nielson said the team is "a family, and we all are experiencing grief today. We will work together and take care of one another."
A vigil was scheduled for 8 p.m. Monday at the Robert Stoddard Football Field, officials said, and items were placed at the entrance of the Terry Foote Stadium in Mafatini's honor.
"It's nights like tonight when you realize football means very little and at the same time, it means everything. The bond and brotherhood felt by these young men will carry them through some of the worst moments of their lives. This team will forever have a place in my heart," Jan Jorgensen, Snow College defensive coordinator and linebacker coach, tweeted Monday.
It's nights like tonight when you realize football means very little and at the same time, it means everything. The bond and brotherhood felt by these young men will carry them through some of the worst moments of their lives. This team will forever have a place in my heart.
— Coach Jorgensen (@Janimal84) October 4, 2021
Coaching staff at Snow College set up a GoFundMe* fundraiser to help the family with unexpected expenses resulting from Mafatini's death.
Correction: A quote in a previous version spelled Mafatini's name incorrectly.
*KSL.com does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisers and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
