‘Senseless Loss!’ West Valley Family’s Anguish Over Loved One Killed By Alleged Drunk Driver”

DEBARYLIFE – Some people simply exude that energy; they may not say much, but they make a big impression. That is the kind of person, according to Maleini Tanaki, about her 26-year-old brother-in-law Finau Malekamu.

“He was very selfless; he was always the first to serve someone and the last person to eat,” Tanaka stated.

Less than a year ago, Malekamu, his wife, and their small children moved from Utah to California. Their ultimate objective was to return to Utah to raise their family and purchase a home.

However, Malekamu passed away on May 3rd night in Fremont, California, after being struck by an alleged intoxicated driver while taking a break from work.

“They turned sharply to the right, ascended the median, and approached them. Tanaki recalled Finau telling his coworkers, “Oh shoot, a car,” when he saw it.

“He managed to push one out of the way, he just didn’t have enough time to get out of the way himself.”

The driver was later taken into custody, according to Fremont Police, on charges of vehicular manslaughter and operating a vehicle while intoxicated and inflicting harm. Investigations into the crash are still ongoing.

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Tanaka claims that the best illustration of Malekamu’s altruism comes from his final moments.

“I could only imagine that’s the only thing that came to mind for him to do in a situation like that,” Tanaki stated.

Malekamu’s family is like many others in raising awareness of the hazards of drunk driving while also attempting to get his wife and children back to Utah, where they can receive the necessary love and care.

“There are Ubers, Lyfts, so many other options that you can do to help avoid other situations like this,” Tanaki stated.

“He was just such a loving person and I’m really grateful my sister had someone like him in her life.”