Former Kahuku High School football star Waika Carvalho was a fearless leader who dedicated 100 percent of his effort to everything he did, according to family members.

“;He was the type of guy who would go for broke,”; said Carvalho's cousin Brennen Carvalho, formerly with the Green Bay Packers. “;Nothing scared him.”;

Carvalho, 23, of Hauula, was killed Saturday night in a single-car crash in Laie.

At 10:48 p.m. Saturday, police said, a 19-year-old Punaluu man was traveling south on Kamehameha Highway in a Toyota Tacoma when he lost control and crossed over to the northbound lane.

The pickup struck a guardrail in the corner of Kahawainui Bridge, spun out of control and came to rest in the middle of the bridge, said police.

  Laie fatal car crash kills former Kahuku quarterback

 

Community mourns the loss of one of the best quarterbacks to come out of Kahuku High School, 23-year-old Waika Carvalho.

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Carvalho, the front seat passenger, was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy was to be performed today to determine the exact cause of death.

Two other passengers—an 18-year-old Hauula man and another 18-year-old man—were hospitalized in critical condition. The 19-year-old driver was in serious condition. A 17-year-old boy also was in serious condition.

Speed and alcohol appeared to be factors in the fatal crash, police said.

Police said the driver is under investigation for possible negligent homicide and negligent injury.

In 2003 Carvalho, a quarterback, lead Kahuku's Red Raiders to victory in the Oahu Interscholastic Association championship against Kailua and the state championships over Saint Louis, 27-26.

Carvalho had played football since he was a child, coached by his father, Lew.

After high school, Carvalho played football for Golden West College in Huntington Beach, Calif.

Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho—the victim's uncle and a former player with the University of Hawaii and Miami Dolphins—flew to Oahu yesterday to comfort his family members. He described Waika as respectful, fun-loving and with a great sense of humor.

“;He was really kindhearted,”; he said. “;We're going to miss him a lot.”;

Carvalho is survived by father Lew, mother Karlotta, sister Brandi, brothers Nalu and Liko, and his nieces and nephews. Funeral services are pending.