Texas A&M University freshman football player Polo Manukainiu and Utah football team recruit Gaius "Keio'' Vaenuku, were among three people in a car crash on Monday.
Manukainiu, a 19-year-old defensive lineman for the Aggies, and 18-year-old Utah recruit Gaius "Keio'' Vaenuku were traveling with three others returning from Salt Lake City to suburban Dallas, riding in a 2002 Toyota Sequoia according to Sports Illustrated.
The vehicle drifted off the highway, New Mexico State Police spokesman Emmanuel T. Gutierrez said. The driver, 18-year-old Siaosi Salesi Uhatafe Jr. of Euless, lost control and rolled several times.
Officials believe alcohol was not a factor in the crash, but only the driver was wearing a seat belt.
"Manukainiu and 13-year-old passenger Andrew "Lolo'' Uhatafe died at the scene after they were ejected from the vehicle," Gutierrez said.
Vaenuku was pronounced dead in an ambulance on his way to the hospital, according to SI.
"The driver and his father, Salesi Uhatafe, were taken to the San Juan Medical Center in Farmington, N.M., and suffered only minor injuries," authorities said.
Manukainiu posted the following tweet on Sunday: "It's always good to get away from the Texas Heat for the weekend. Utah got that breezeeeeeee.''
Before the accident on Monday, Manukainiu also tweeted: "22 hour drive back to Texas on no sleep. Oh my.''
"We lost a terrific young man,'' Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin told SI. "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.''
Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel, who was the first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy, was devastated by the news of his teamate's death.
"Heart hurts waking up to news about Polo,'' Manziel tweeted on Tuesday. "I think I speak for everyone on our team when I say we love you brother you will be missed.''
