HONOLULU — Authorities say Hawaii running back Willis Wilson was found dead off of Oahu’s Sandy Beach after a wave overcame him in shallow water.
Hawaii’s athletics department confirmed Wilson’s death.
“We are very saddened by the news of Willis’ passing,” head football coach Norm Chow said. “He was a very fun-loving young man, who was well-liked by his teammates. Our thoughts and prayers are with Willis’ family during this difficult time.”
A Honolulu Fire Department report says Wilson was among a group of three men and two women who were wading in shallow water about 4:30 a.m. Saturday.
Fire officials and Coast Guard rescuers were called after the group noticed that the 21-year-old Wilson was no longer with them. The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reports that his body was recovered a few hours later.
Wilson was born in Pearl City and attended high school in Lakewood, Wash., where he was an all-state running back. He transferred from Washington last summer after spending three seasons with the Huskies. He made the travel roster for the Rainbow Warriors’ first three games.
Wilson’s father Jack Wilson, Jr., played for UH in the late 1980s.
From wire sources