Boy killed while playing “the fainting game” will be laid to rest Wednesday

May 15, 2018, 6:45 PM

SOUTH JORDAN – A public viewing is held for a 12-year old boy who died doing something that many kids believe is a harmless game.  His mother hopes his story will save lives by convincing them to not play it.

Tua Muai died Friday while playing “the fainting game.”  It’s been around for decades, and it knocks people unconscious after cutting off oxygen to the brain.  His mother, Celestia, can remember kids in her junior high school playing it.

“There have been many people that have since contacted me saying that they have also lost a child to this game,” according to Celestia Muai.

She says Tua was a bright, beautiful boy who always reassured her that he would take care of her.  He was the kind of kid who loved being with his friends and absolutely adored the game of football.

(Photo Credit: Celestia Muai)

“He had a very strong spirit.  [He was] strong willed.  He loved his mom.  He’d always say, ‘Are you OK, mom?’ or, ‘Don’t worry, mom.  I’ll take care of you.  You don’t have to worry,’” Muai says.

His coach, Bryan Ellison, says Tua was the hardest hitting kid on the field.  However, even if he knocked a kid down, he would always be the first to help that other player get back up.

“He wanted to play for Herriman High School.  He wanted to play for BYU.  Truly, honestly, he was the kind of kid who would play on Sundays,” Ellison says.

He believes a lot of kids who have played the fainting game don’t know how deadly it can be.  He says one rugby coach asked his players if they’d ever heard of it.

“A lot of them said, ‘Yeah.’ One of them laughed and said, ‘We did it today at school.  Six of us,’” Ellison says.

The public is invited to Tua’s funeral at 11 a.m. at the LDS Church at 3760 Rushton View Drive.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Agriculture officials said the fire most likely started after a piece of equipment malfunctioned at...

Emma Keddington and Simone Seikaly

Equipment malfunction suspected after fire at Utah egg farm

A 21,000 square foot barn at Oakdell Egg Farms quickly caught fire when a power washer caught fire.

10 minutes ago

FILE: An arson investigation is underway after several suspicious fires in Salt Lake City on Tuesda...

Britt Johnson

Salt Lake City Fire conduct arson investigation Tuesday morning

An arson investigation is underway after several suspicious fires in Salt Lake City on Tuesday.

2 hours ago

Wine bottles are pictured at a state liquor store in Salt Lake City on Friday, Oct. 23, 2020....

Jeff Caplan

Jeff Caplan’s Minute of News: How people get drunk WITHOUT drinking

Try explaining this condition to a cop.

2 hours ago

Ahead of the NHL to Utah party on Wednesday, Utahns crowded the plaza of the Delta Center and waite...

Simone Seikaly, Eric Cabrera, Emma Keddington, Adam Small

Utahns showing up for the NHL in Utah

Ahead of the NHL to Utah party, Utahns crowded the plaza of the Delta Center and waited in long lines for the party to start.

3 hours ago

Two proposals — one aimed at students attending schools on F1 visas and the other targeting all a...

Amy Donaldson

Big changes proposed for Utah high school sports involving local, international students

Proposals involving F1 visas and athletic transfers were approved Wednesday by the executive committee of the Utah High School Activities Association.

4 hours ago

Brenda Dye, the Fremont County coroner, testified Wednesday about the reasons why she changed Tammy...

Emily Ashcraft, KSL.com

Coroner describes changing Tammy Daybell’s cause of death to homicide

Fremont County Coroner Brenda Dye changed Tammy Daybell's cause of death to homicide after participating in her autopsy.

6 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

a doctor putting her hand on the chest of her patient...

Intermountain Health

Intermountain nurse-midwives launch new gynecology access clinic

An access clinic launched by Intermountain nurse-midwives provides women with comprehensive gynecology care.

Young couple hugging while a realtor in a suit hands them keys in a new home...

Utah Association of Realtors

Buying a home this spring? Avoid these 5 costly pitfalls

By avoiding these pitfalls when buying a home this spring, you can ensure your investment will be long-lasting and secure.

a person dressed up as a nordic viking in a dragon boat resembling the bear lake monster...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

The Legend of the Bear Lake Monster

The Bear Lake monster has captivated people in the region for centuries, with tales that range from the believable to the bizarre.

...

Live Nation Concerts

All the artists coming to Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre (formerly USANA Amp) this summer

Summer concerts are more than just entertainment; they’re a celebration of life, love, and connection.

Mother and cute toddler child in a little fancy wooden cottage, reading a book, drinking tea and en...

Visit Bear Lake

How to find the best winter lodging in Bear Lake, Utah

Winter lodging in Bear Lake can be more limited than in the summer, but with some careful planning you can easily book your next winter trip.

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Ski more for less: Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

Boy killed while playing “the fainting game” will be laid to rest Wednesday