PROVO, Utah – The Timpview High and BYU football families are mourning the loss of former offensive lineman Tui Crichton, who died unexpectedly Monday morning in Provo.
Crichton was 30.
A post on the Timpview football team’s Twitter account said Crichton “had an energetic personality, and if you were around him, you were laughing.”
Crichton died due to cardiac arrest, according to a family member.
After helping Timpview go undefeated and win the 2007 state football championship his junior season, Crichton sustained a shoulder injury and did not play as a senior. Still, he signed to play for BYU, turning down offers from several other schools, and took a redshirt year in 2009 as he continued to rehabilitate his shoulder.
Crichton served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Houston.
At BYU in 2012 under coach Bronco Mendenhall, Crichton played in eight games, moving from offensive line to defensive line, and recorded a tackle against Hawaii.
He suffered another major injury during his sophomore season in 2013 after appearing in three games. In 2014, Crichton transferred to Weber State and appeared in some games for the Wildcats before sustaining a fractured leg that ended his playing career.
Former teammates say he was known for his big smile, easygoing nature and friendliness.
“You’ve always been a brighter part of everyone’s day,” former BYU teammate Travis Tuiloma wrote on his Instagram page. “The smoothest big man I know. The one to put a smile on everyone’s face. Multi-talented individual and a flat-out good person. That is something that can’t be beat. Still can’t believe you’re gone bro. I know you’re in heaven continuing all the good you did here!”
