Former Farmington High football player loses 4-year battle with cancer

FARMINGTON — A Farmington family has announced the passing of their son, Afu Fiefia, 19, following a four-year battle with cancer.

"The last 24 hours have been the most painful and heartbreaking, yet the most sacred and spiritual we have ever experienced in our family's life," the family wrote in a social media post on Tuesday. "Afu fulfilled his mission and purpose here on earth as he passed through the veil to continue his missionary work on the other side, bringing others closer to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We find peace knowing he is now in the presence of our loving Heavenly Father.

"His battle with cancer allowed us to witness the Atonement of Jesus Christ in an up close and personal way. We have felt his grace, peace and love for each and every one of us."

Afu Fiefia loved playing football and was a star player on the Farmington High School football team, even after his 2021 diagnosis. He completed 363 yards and made 35 receptions in his senior year (2024-25).

He is one of seven kids and is the son of former Hunter High School and Utah State University running back David Fiefia, who also coached at Weber State and is the current Farmington High head football coach.

His diagnosis of Ewing sarcoma was first announced in August of 2021, just three weeks before his 15th birthday. Over the next few years, Afu Fiefia underwent treatment and had periods of remission. On Dec. 11, 2024, following his senior football season, he learned that the cancer had returned with a "large tumor in his abdomen and a couple of nodules in his lungs," according to the family's GoFundMe* campaign.

"Each of our children were able to spend a few sacred minutes alone with Afu to say their last words here on earth," the family's post continued. "While fighting to just breathe, he was able to gain enough strength to give love, guidance and counsel to each of his siblings and us as his parents.

"This is a gift we will cherish forever."

*KSL.com does not assure that the money deposited into 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.

Related topics