West Valley family mourns loved one killed by suspected drunk driver

WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah – Some people just have that energy – they’re quiet, but their presence speaks volumes. That’s the kind of person Maleini Tanaki says her brother-in-law, 26-year-old Finau Malekamu, was.

“He was very selfless; he was always the first to serve someone and the last to eat,” Tanaki said.

Malekamu, his wife and their young children moved from Utah to California less than a year ago. Her ultimate goal was to return to Utah to buy a home and start her family.

But on the night of May 3, Malekamu died after being hit by a suspected drunk driver during a work break in Fremont, California.

“They turned very far to the right, climbed over the median and came towards them. Finau saw it and said to his colleagues, ‘Oh, shoot, a car,'” Tanaki said.

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

According to Fremont police, the driver was later arrested for involuntary manslaughter and driving under the influence of an alcoholic beverage resulting in injury. The crash is still under investigation.

Tanaki says Malekamu’s actions in the final moments of his life were the ultimate example of his selflessness.

“I can only imagine that’s the only thing he can think of in a situation like this,” Tanaki said.

As Malekamu’s family works to bring his wife and children back to Utah so they can be surrounded with the love and care they need, they join many other families in reminding people of the dangers of driving under the influence.

“There are Ubers, Lyfts and so many other options you can use to avoid situations like this,” Tanaki said.

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

A GoFundMe account has been set up for Malekamu’s family.