Former Oregon linebacker Leiato killed in car accident
Former Oregon linebacker Fotu Leiato was killed in a single-car accident near Autzen Stadium on Friday, the Eugene Police Department announced Saturday, according to ESPN's Mark Schlabach.
The 21-year-old played three seasons for the Ducks, but was dismissed from the team this past spring due to persistent legal issues.
“We are saddened to learn of the passing of Fotu, and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time. He will be remembered and missed by all who knew him.”
— Oregon Football (@oregonfootball) June 16, 2018
- Oregon athletic director Rob Mullens & head football coach Mario Cristobal pic.twitter.com/C5K7EsVh4v
According to Eugene police, a 22-year-old man crashed his 2014 Kia sedan early Friday morning. The driver, Pedro Chavarin Jr., told police on the scene that there were no passengers with him. Chavarin was transported to a hospital and cited for a DUI.
Around four hours after the accident, a woman walking near the crash site saw a hand and what appeared to be a person's body underneath some brush on a gravel path. Police responded and identified the body as Leiato.
A police department spokesperson told ESPN that the incident is still being investigated.
Prior to his dismissal from Oregon, Leiato had been arrested in late April on charges of theft, criminal trespassing, and criminal mischief - his second arrest in four months.