College Of The Desert Football Player Mourned

A candlelight vigil was held on Friday for Frank Tanuvasa, 20, the College of the Desert football player who died Thursday morning as a result of an officer involved shooting in Palm Desert.

Tanuvasa was pronounced dead at Eisenhower Medical Center about an hour after police responded to a burglary call.

Tanuvasa was seen running away from the the apartment complex where the burglary was reported, and authorities said Tanuvasa was shot following an altercation with a Riverside County sheiff’s deputy.

On Friday, more than 200 friends, classmates, professors and teammates attended the vigil at the College of the Desert — all of them shedded tears as soon as they walked through the gates.

Lit candles were lined up along the bleachers.

Everyone sat in the stands and faced the field where Tanuvasa once played.

A shrine on the field marked his presence.

Pictures of his smile showcased a man who friends described as having a quiet yet big personality.

He loved to sing and friends said it’s a shame that he couldn’t be at the vigil to show off his voice.

His girlfriend, Julia Lamas, spoke and thanked everyone for taking part in the ceremony.

Several of Tanuvasa’s teammates also gave emotional speeches.

Head football coach, Dean Dowty, paused several times during his talk because he said Tanuvasa’s loss really hurts.

He said Tanuvasa was close to him and his family, and he still can’t believe that’s it’s Frank who they were there to mourn.

The rest of the coaching staff was also in shock.

“There’s just a uniqueness about Frank,” said Craige Campbell, a linebacker coach. “You can see with the outpouring that’s out here, that there’s something very special about him. (Head) coach Dowty really put it well when he said that Frank just represents love.”

The team gathered together at the end of the ceremony and said one final prayer with another, then huddled up and gave Tanuvasa one final cheer.

Tanuvasa’s family did not attend, but sent a message thanking everyone for their love and support.