Washington State University redshirt freshman offensive lineman Uilisone “Sone” Falealo, an Anchorage, Alaska native, is recovering after being shot in the stomach during a chaotic off-campus party following the Apple Cup.
According to reports, the shooting occurred around 1:47 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 21, at an apartment in Pullman.
Court documents reveal that the incident began after 20-year-old University of Washington student Jakori C. Buchanan allegedly punched a woman at the party.
Furthermore, Falealo and two friends intervened to save the girl; however, it led to a fight between Falealo and Buchanan, during which Buchanan allegedly loaded a gun and fired a shot, striking Falealo in the abdomen.
Falealo underwent surgery to remove the bullet, which fortunately did not damage any organs, and is expected to make a full recovery.
Likewise, Sone Falealo’s parents, Tautalafua and Tusiga, were not immediately aware of the shooting.
They learned of it the following day and rushed to Pullman to be by their son’s side.
Initially heartbroken and terrified over the life-threatening incident, they spent hours at the hospital supporting Falealo. Relief eventually replaced their fear as they saw him recovering and stable after surgery.
While his parents haven’t released a statement about the incident, as they are more focused on their son Sone Falealo’s speedy recovery, his elder sister, Dora, took to Facebook to express her reaction.
The post reads:
“My heart sank when we received news from his coaches, but thankfully, he wasn’t injured badly. The bullet grazed his hip, and that was about it. He is now in recovery and healing from this incident. I love you Sone 💙💙💙
Dora Falealo
And for you that shot my brother for defending a helpless college girl that was getting attack, I do hope you rot in prison.”
Pullman Police confirmed that Buchanan was arrested and is being held in King County Jail.
He will be transferred to Whitman County for his first court appearance on charges of first and fourth-degree assault. Buchanan claims he acted in self-defense after being attacked along with his cousin, who remains in critical condition in a Tacoma hospital with serious injuries.
Sone Falealo’s Parents, Tautalafua and Tusiga, Raised All Their Children to Be Athletes
Sone Falealo was born as one of five children to Samoan Parents, Tautalafua and Tusiga Falealo.
He has four older siblings, including two brothers, Jonathan ‘Tana’ and Joseph, and two sisters, Sarah and Dora.
While very little information about Tautalafua and Tusiga’s professional journey is available, as they prefer to maintain a low profile, Sone Falealo often talks about his parents and credits them for instilling in him the passion and love for sports, which shaped his football career.
Although it is unclear whether Tautalafua and Tusiga played sports during their college and high school years, they raised all of their children to be amazing athletes.
Sone followed in his elder brother Jonathan’s footsteps in football. His brother played football at Mt. San Antonio College and Western New Mexico University as an Offensive Lineman.
Jonathan ‘Tana’ Falealo also played varsity football at West Anchorage HS.
Similarly, his elder sister, Dora Falealo, played varsity volleyball for the girls’ team at West Anchorage High School, leading her team to several victories.
Dora graduated from the University of Alaska Anchorage and currently works at The GEO Group, Inc.
His other elder brother, Joseph Falealo, played varsity football at Tafuna High School, leading the Warriors in several victories.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Prior to Washington State University, Sone Falealo played football at the University of Idaho.
- He played high school football at West Anchorage High School, where he was an MVP offensive lineman and led his team to an Alaska State Championship title.
