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 '' `` We are very saddened by the news of Willis ' passing , '' Hawaii football coach Norm Chow said in a statement . Wilson 's father also played football for Washington .
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 .