Terrible news this morning, Ags. Polo Manukainiu was reportedly killed in a car accident overnight. We here at GBH would like to offer Polo's family, friends, and teammates all our thoughts and prayers during this tragic time.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Horrible early morning news: I've been informed that <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23TAMU&src=hash">#TAMU</a> football player Polo Manukainiu has been killed in a car accident. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23rip&src=hash">#rip</a></p>— Mark Passwaters (@themarkup) <a href="https://twitter.com/themarkup/statuses/362153506494365696">July 30, 2013</a></blockquote>
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Polo was a highly touted 4-star defensive end out of Euless Trinity High School. He redshirted last year and was expected to make an impact this year on the defensive line. Polo was loved by his teammates and will be missed by all. We'll update this story with news reports as they come in.
11:15 am update
ESPN report contains further details. "Another incoming Utah freshman and passenger in the car -- offensive tackle Salesi Uhatafe -- survived, as did his father, Salesi Sr. Uhatafe is Manukainiu's stepbrother and Andrew 'Lolo' Uhatafe's brother."
10:35 am update
Aggie Athletics official release. “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.”
9:45 am update
Former Euless Trinity player Gaius Vaenuku who was a freshman at Utah and Euless Trinity player Lolo Uhatafe also died in the single car accident, according to Fox DFW.
9:30 am update
- article from the Bryan-College Station Eagle
- story from the Fort Worth Star-Telegram
- Sporting News reports that another passenger was a Utah recruit
8:30 am update
- initial report from the San Antonio Express-News
- preliminary report from KRQE in Albuquerque. No names listed yet.
Life is short...do all you can while you're here in this temporary place we occupy. For the legacy we create may endure and be everlasting.
— Kimo Tipoti (@OnThisJourney71) July 30, 2013
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Ill never forget my first roommate rest easy @ManukainiuPol ima miss you big homie 🙏😞</p>— ★=Williams (@twll3) <a href="https://twitter.com/twll3/statuses/362145392600694785">July 30, 2013</a></blockquote>
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I randomly wake up at 5 a.m to see I had a missed call bearing bad news... Nothing lasts forever on this crazy world #RestEasyPolo 🙏🙏🙏
— Coach Richardson (@AggswaggCEO) July 30, 2013
God your getting a GREAT man today.Refuse to take life for granted as another friend and teammate has passed.In my prayers forever #RipPolo
— Taylor Bertolet (@TaylorBertolet) July 30, 2013
The world works in mysterious ways, and some times we don't know why he does what he does, but we should know he has a plan.. #R.I.PPolo
— Dustin L. Harris (@Sleeper22) July 30, 2013
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>R.I.P. Polo smh another one gone too soon</p>— Steven Terrell (@SdotTerrell) <a href="https://twitter.com/SdotTerrell/statuses/362177390178353152">July 30, 2013</a></blockquote>
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I almost can't believe it It's always the best of us that leaves too early...rest easy big Dog we love you polo
— Cj Jones (@anAverageJO_NES) July 30, 2013
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Prayers to the family of Polo Manukainiu and also the FB programs at Texas A&M & Euless Trinity-May God give you peace in your time of loss</p>— Herb Hand (@CoachHand) <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachHand/statuses/362192861220962304">July 30, 2013</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Thoughts and prayers are with Polo Manukainiu and his family. Always heard great things about him. RIP</p>— Kohl Stewart (@KohlStewart1) <a href="https://twitter.com/KohlStewart1/statuses/362194726444736513">July 30, 2013</a></blockquote>
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RIP Polo, you were one of the best of us. It's hard to imagine not seeing you around. http://t.co/eQ4De6KJuv
— Jay Arnold (@JArnoldTAMU85) July 30, 2013
This is crazy I can't believe it.. RIP to my teammate @ManukainiuPolo you will be truly missed..
— DWalk (@Dee_Sky_Walker) July 30, 2013
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>T&P are with the <a href="https://twitter.com/ManukainiuPolo">@ManukainiuPolo</a> family, our team, and all Ags. Another Aggie Angel.</p>— Domingo Bryant (@DomingoBryant) <a href="https://twitter.com/DomingoBryant/statuses/362202640257527810">July 30, 2013</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Very saddened this morning by the passing of <a href="https://twitter.com/ManukainiuPolo">@ManukainiuPolo</a> what a great kid! Praying for his family. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23RIPpolo&src=hash">#RIPpolo</a> <a href="http://t.co/UsibTtdi50">pic.twitter.com/UsibTtdi50</a></p>— Texas A&M Equipment (@TAMUequipment) <a href="https://twitter.com/TAMUequipment/statuses/362203834895982592">July 30, 2013</a></blockquote>
Man life is too short man...prayers to his family...#RIPPolo
— Jones Jr. (@RickySealsJones) July 30, 2013
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Heart hurts waking up to news about Polo.. I think I speak for everyone on our team when I say we love you brother you will be missed</p>— Johnny Manziel (@JManziel2) <a href="https://twitter.com/JManziel2/statuses/362211805088591876">July 30, 2013</a></blockquote>
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Lost a teammate/brother today! It's going to be crazy not having a locker next to you anymore! Gone… http://t.co/xO0cX2t5CH
— Devonta Burns 3⃣♦ (@DEVONTABURNS26) July 30, 2013
RIP bro. We love you. http://t.co/uh8SJNm4nY
— Matt Davis (@That_DavisGuy) July 30, 2013
RIP Polo it's crazy to think someone could just be gone that quick like that.. Everyone please just pray for his family in this tough time
— THEKHill13 (@Kennyhill13) July 30, 2013
Lost two teammates in two years, the Lord works in mysterious ways and I truly believe in that 😇😇… http://t.co/BjBexLAgfo
— Cedric Ogbuehi (@Nuff_ced70) July 30, 2013
It really makes you appreciate things more when someone you know in the same position as you in life looses theirs! #R.I.P Polo
— Deshazor Everett (@DeUcE2NiNa9) July 30, 2013
My prayers go out to Polo & his family. Crazy losing someone you know so personally . #RipPolo
— Toney Hurd Jr. (@HURDjunior) July 30, 2013
Texas A&M mourns the loss of Polo Manukainiu, who was tragically killed last night in a car accident in New Mexico - http://t.co/RnWWfTgRhT
— Texas A&M Football (@AggieFootball) July 30, 2013
Shocked😳
— JaQuay Williams (@JaQuayWilliams) July 30, 2013
But, this... creating these graphics are by far my least favorite part. pic.twitter.com/PAdtTXH6Am
— Jon Lee (@therealjonlee) July 30, 2013
My thoughts and prayers go out to Polo's family and friends. An incredible young man gone way too soon. RIP Polo.
— Kliff Kingsbury (@TTUKingsbury) July 30, 2013
My prayers go out to the family of Polo Manukainiu and his @AggieFootball brothers.
— Martellus Bennett (@MartysaurusRex) July 30, 2013
Not Polo man.... 😔 Great guy, great Aggie. Prayers to his family. You will be missed bro. #here
— Patrick Lewis,Jr. (@P_Lewis30) July 30, 2013
Heard the devastating news! Brought chills down my spine! R.I.P POLO! The times I've been around you! You were always happy! 🙏 To your fam!
— Cyrus Gray (@CyrusGray32) July 30, 2013
Life is precious. We lost a brother today & our hearts ache. Prayers for Polo & his family - you will be missed! #RIP
— Mark Hagen (@CoachHagenTAMU) July 30, 2013
Rest in peace polo
— Spencer Nealy (@SNeals99) July 30, 2013
Hard to believe his life was cut so short-great kid and great athlete! wont 4get the memories we made.praying for peace! #polo
— Ryan Swope (@RSwope25) July 30, 2013
You will be missed Polo.....
— Kirbo Ennis 42 (@ennisboy42) July 30, 2013