Willis Wilson , 28 , was in knee - deep water when wave hit . He previously spent three seasons at the University of Washington . Source : ` ` He was a very fun - loving young man '' Wilson 's father also played football for Washington .
Willis Wilson , 21 , was in knee-deep water when wave hit . Wilson previously spent three seasons at the University of Washington . Coach : `` He was a very fun-loving young man '' Wilson 's father also played football for Hawaii .