Tributes for men killed in Utah shooting
Photo: GoFundMe
Tributes continue to flow for two men shot in a church parking lot in the US state of Utah.
Sione Vatuvei, 38, and Vaea Tulikihihifo Jr, 46, were gunned down outside the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Redwood Road, Salt Lake City, on Wednesday last week (US time).
Six others were injured.
PMN reported Susi Feltch-Malohifo'ou, CEO of Pacific Island Knowledge 2 Action Resources, saying Vatuvei and Tulikihihifo were well-known and valued members of the Tongan and wider Pacific community.
The two men were reportedly attending a funeral when a fight broke out in the foyer of the church.
Speaking to KSLTV, Vatuvei's widow, Christina said she is still in disbelief.
"The individual just took out his gun and started shooting everywhere," she said.
"I don't think there was an intended target, it was anyone, and unfortunately my husband got caught in the crossfire. I heard that he was trying to stop it."
Family members said Vatuvei had worked hard to turn his life around after past struggles, including time in prison and gang involvement.
GoFundMe pages have been set up for both men's families.
Speaking to ABC4, Vaea Tulikihihifo's widow, Nani, said they have been blessed with 11 children, with the youngest being only 5 months old.
Photo: GoFundMe
Their eldest son Darian Junior Fosho Tulikihihifo said their faith has been helping them through this time of deep grief.
"We've been given a family to take care of each other in times like this, and even in our ups, we're always going to be here for each other," he said.
"That's how we're holding up. That's how we will hold up, is with each other and our Heavenly Father.
"Our Pops never sought recognition for anything he's ever done good. He's definitely someone I look up to, because he was the biggest caretaker for a lot of people. He never asks for anything in return."
David Tulikihihifo, the organiser of the GoFundMe page, shared a tribute online.
"He was truly the life of the party wherever he went - always ready to dance, always bringing joy and laughter. His goofy personality and his one-of-a-kind, loud laugh could light up any room, and those memories will stay with us forever."
A Facebook post shared by Nani states that a 'Celebration of Life Service' will be held for Tulikihihifo on Tuesday, 20 January in Utah.
Police are still investigating.