A Samoan teenager who died while fishing in west Oahu on Saturday is being remembered as a son who tried to make his mom proud.
Tony Siufanua and Maikah Hampp-Iriarte, seniors at Waianae High School, were fishing Saturday morning when a wave swept one of them off the rocks. The other boy dove in to help. Less than an hour later, search teams found their bodies.
A growing memorial drew loved ones Monday night to Kaena Point, the last place the two 17-year-olds were seen alive.
Teammate Shaiden Kealoha Nakilia said Tony Siufanua was one of his best friends. They played football together.
“He tried to make his mom proud, that’s all him. If you truly knew him, that’s all he really wanted to do, was to make his mom proud,” Nakilia told Hawaii News Now.
Coach Ray McKeague, who trained Siufanua, says he had a bright future ahead. Siufanua was a defensive back and safety on the football team.
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