Former Oregon football linebacker Fotu Leiato II was found dead after a car rollover crash near Autzen Stadium on early Friday morning, according to the Eugene Police Department. Leiato, 21, was the passenger and UO student Pedro Chavarin Jr., 22, was the driver of the vehicle.
Chavarin Jr. was initially arrested for a DUII in result of the crash and Leiato’s body was only found four hours later. KEZI first reported the crash and the discovery of the passenger’s body, which has been confirmed to be Leiato’s.
On Tuesday, June 19, Eugene police announced that Chavarin Jr. was arrested and charged with manslaughter in the first degree.
Leiato was arrested in late April for theft, criminal trespassing and criminal mischief after trying to remove a parking boot and failing to appear in court for a previous incident. He was dismissed by the Oregon football team in May.
Leiato played in 38 career games for the Ducks, finishing with 37 total tackles, one tackle for loss and two pass breakups.
Hit with the bad news tonight… former teammate of mine fotu leiato was killed in a car accident last night… prayers out to his family… rest easy Fotu🙏🏼
— Tanner Carew (@Tcarew10) June 16, 2018
My uso will forever be in my heart. What happened was tragic but what makes me feel better is knowing that you are in paradise with our Heavenly Father🙏🏽 Rest In Love my uso Fotu. Love you uce💯 pic.twitter.com/AnC6kpGAKn
— Austin Faoliu (@Faoliu_10) June 16, 2018
This post will be updated when more information becomes available.
Follow Shawn Medow on Twitter @ShawnMedow
