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'He passed as a hero saving her': Family reflects on life of Utah man who died saving girlfriend from frozen lake

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'He passed as a hero saving her': Family reflects on life of Utah man who died saving girlfriend from frozen lake


WEST VALLEY CITY — The family of the 20-year-old deputy who died saving a young woman after they fell through ice at a Tooele County reservoir is speaking for the first time.

The sisters and mother of Emaloni Lutui said his actions were the ultimate act of love because the woman he saved was his girlfriend.

“The woman he saved, died for, was his girlfriend and we love her for loving him,” said Hinalei Fihaki, Lutui’s sister. “In the accident, we just know that she fell and he just wanted to make sure she got out of there, which he did, he just unfortunately didn’t make it out himself.”

On Monday, authorities said the couple was out for a hike at Settlement Canyon Reservoir when they fell through the ice around 7 p.m.

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Knowing they had little time, Lutui pushed his girlfriend out then slipped under the icy water, and never resurfaced. His body was recovered a few hours later by search and rescue teams around 11:20 p.m.

Man who died saving woman from icy reservoir was a Salt Lake County deputy

“We know how much he loved her. He would always talk about her to us, so we want to honor and respect the way that this all happened even though it’s not something that we ever wanted or imagined,” Fihaki said. “He passed as a hero saving her.”

Family members are not releasing his girlfriend’s name to respect her privacy during this difficult time.

Lutui’s family was not surprised to learn of his heroic actions. They said he lived a life of service.

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“He was really the glue to keeping us all together. As his (older) sisters, we were supposed to be his keepers, but I feel like he was really our keeper,” Fihaki said.

From childhood, family members said Lutui, known affectionately as “Loni,” was always interested in helping others. Lutui’s mother, Maopa Tonga, said his elementary school in Portland, Oregon, had a plaque made for him because of his service to his classmates and teachers.

In high school, he became interested in public service when he joined JROTC. After graduating from Taylorsville High School he joined the Marine Corps. Unfortunately, pandemic restrictions and illness kept him from moving forward shortly after enlisting. His family said he was honorably discharged.

However, Lutui’s desire for a life in public service persevered and his family said he found his true passion closer to home.

“He’s always been… determined,” Tonga said. “He still wanted to be able to serve.”

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Lutui graduated from the sheriff’s academy just a few weeks before his death. He joined the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office and was continuing his training in the county jail, according to Sheriff Rosie Rivera.

Lutui’s greatest love was his family. Though he was the fourth of six siblings, his three sisters said he was more like a big brother who took an interest in their lives and was always checking on them.

“He really set the tone for our little brother. As sisters, we would love to find someone for ourselves like him one day. We are really incredibly proud of him,” Fihaki said.

Lutui’s sisters say he was thrilled when he became a father two years ago. Though his relationship with his son’s mother didn’t work out, they remained close friends, and Lutui was a devoted father.

“He truly lived in his purpose which was service,” said Litia Fihaki, Lutui’s oldest sister. “He was super engaged with each and every one of us. He would always call and ask if we needed anything.”

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Lutui’s family is clinging to their faith as they grieve his loss.

“I told my girls Loni would want us to do things with love,” said Tonga. “I’m heartbroken but I’m at peace. I’m at peace knowing he’s watching us and he’s at a better place.”

“I think God wanted him to come back home, maybe it was his time to go.” Tonga continued.

Lutui’s family also expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of love and support and the efforts of search and rescue teams, including the Tooele City Police Department.

“We thank them for helping us ensure he can have a proper burial,” Hinalei Fihaki said.

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A GoFundMe* has been set up to assist with funeral expenses.


*KSL TV does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisers and otherwise proceed at your own risk.



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Utah Extends Point Streak to Four Games in Overtime Loss in Chicago | Utah Mammoth

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Utah Extends Point Streak to Four Games in Overtime Loss in Chicago | Utah Mammoth


The Mammoth had strong pushes in the game, especially over the last five minutes of the third period; however, the team struggled to sustain that effort through a full 60 minutes. Following the game, Guenther and Tourigny reflected on what Utah needs to improve to find a higher level of their team game.

“We had a good start, but I think we could not sustain the pressure,” Tourigny said postgame. “The most important thing was our simplicity. I think we complicated too many things offensively that allowed them to cut plays and counterattack and that’s what I didn’t really like. I think we needed to establish our simplicity and that’s the way we scored our first goal, but we did not sustain that. A little bit disappointed. I think we finished the third period strong with a good forecheck. That’s the way we should have played for 60 (minutes).”

“Not our best game I don’t think,” Guenther said postgame. “Just feed into their hands for whatever reason. They’re really good transitionally and just a little bit stubborn. Not enough shots but got a point. Still important to get points. Put us in a good spot heading into the last game (of the road trip).”

A positive takeaway from tonight is Guenther hitting the 30-goal benchmark for the first time in his career. Guenther is one of 21 players to hit 30 goals in the NHL this season and the forward is on a four-game point streak (3G, 3A) on the road trip.

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“Really good backcheck from (Schmaltz),” Guenther recalled on his first period goal. “Kind of a 2-on-1 with me and (Keller). Usually, we try to get it up, but I feel like the goalie was there, so I just tried to slide it through, and I got lucky and it went in. So nice play by those two guys.”

Not only does Guenther have three goals in the last four games, he has five goals since the Olympic break (7GP). He reflected on the confidence he has with his game and his development. 

“It’s nice,” Guenther shared. “That’s kind of what’s got me into the league is being able to score. I think that I’ve rounded out my game and become a more complete player, but that’s still what I’m good at. It’s nice to contribute that way, and there’s still a lot of games to go.”

“For me what I like about (Guenther) this year is he has more ways to (score),” Tourigny explained. “It’s not just his shot; he has more than that. He’s been playing good lately since the start of the trip, I like his game.”

It’s a quick turnaround for Utah as the Mammoth play the Minnesota Wild tomorrow night. However, tomorrow is an opportunity to adjust and make improvements from tonight’s game. The Mammoth have won the first two games in their season series with the Wild, and Utah expects a strong effort from Minnesota.

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“We’ve played them well too and I feel like they haven’t played their best against us,” Guenther shared. “So, they’re going to come with a good push. We’re on a back-to-back so I think just how smart we are and how we handle the first five, 10 minutes will be important.”

Additional Notes from Tonight (per Mammoth PR)

  • Defensemen Nick DeSimone and Ian Cole each had assists on Hayton’s goal in the first. Both blueliners have assists in two-straight games.
  • Keller has extended his point streak to four games (1G, 5A). He has now registered 14 points in nine contests since the start of February (3G, 11A).
  • Guenther has now scored in three of four games on this road trip, with six points in those contests (3G, 3A). Guenther and Keller are tied for most goals by any Utah skater in a single season (30).

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Widow of protester killed files lawsuit against organizers of Utah ‘No Kings’ rally

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Widow of protester killed files lawsuit against organizers of Utah ‘No Kings’ rally


The widow of Afa Ah Loo, the man killed during a No Kings Rally in Salt Lake City, filed a lawsuit against protest organizers and the man accused of firing the fatal shot.

Laura Ah Loo filed the lawsuit Monday, claiming the armed “peacekeeper” and the protest organizers’ negligence caused the death of her husband.

The protest was part of the No Kings Rally, which was held in every state nationwide on June 14, 2025. The National 50501 organization led the movement, with local groups organizing protests in their respective states.

In Salt Lake City, an estimated 10,000 people showed up to protest.

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During the event, Matthew Alder, a member of the security team, allegedly fired into the crowd after spotting a protester carrying a rifle. Prosecutors said he shot three times, striking the armed protester and killing a bystander.

The widow of the man killed is now suing Alder for negligence, with the lawsuit saying it “should have been obvious that any errant shot fired would pose a lethal danger to bystanders.”

MORE | ‘No Kings’ Protest Shooting:

The lawsuit claims that there was no imminent threat, but even if he believed there to be one, Alder could have moved several feet to the west and shot against a wall and not into the crowd.

“Defendant Alder, with little to no known training in crowd control or de-escalation, failed to clear an area behind Gamboa and instead simply started to fire his gun,” the lawsuit reads.

Laura Ah Loo is also suing organizers, claiming they didn’t properly train or vet all the members of the security team, nor did they inform law enforcement and the public of the armed peacekeepers.

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“Defendants’ breaches of these duties resulted in a perfect storm of negligence that caused the only known fatality among a march of millions of Americans,” the lawsuit reads.

She is seeking damages for pain and suffering, lost wages and economic support, and funeral costs.

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Utah drivers rethink budgets as gas prices jump

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Utah drivers rethink budgets as gas prices jump


SALT LAKE CITY — When Kimberly L. pulled up to the gas pump on Sunday, she was unfortunately prepared for the prices that awaited her.

“Between my husband’s truck and my car, we’re well over $300 a month in gas,” she said. “It hits your pocket, and we’ve got a one-working-person household of four, so we’ve had to budget differently.”

This is one of the reasons why she was driving a motorcycle.

“I’m actually probably going to be riding this a lot more often. Gets way better gas mileage than any of our vehicles,” she added.

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According to AAA, as of Sunday, average gas prices in Utah were around $3.16 compared to $2.74 the week prior.

“I went to go get gas the other day, and I spent $10 on two and a half gallons of gas. And it was insane,” said Grace Wieland from Park City. “Most of my activities are down in Salt Lake, so it’s hard to come down here every week and do the things I love to do whenever gas is so expensive.”

“At work, I make around $18 an hour, and that’s not even a full tank. It’s like two hours at work is one tank, which is kind of crazy,” said Addison Lowe, who is also from Park City.

According to Gas Buddy, the rising prices come after the U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran, impacting ships that carry large amounts of oil that pass through the Straight of Hormuz, a key trade route.

“Gas prices likely continue advancing, oil prices will likely keep climbing until that oil can move again,” said petroleum analyst Patrick De Haan.

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AAA said the last time the national average made a similar jump was in March of 2022 during the Russia/Ukraine conflict.

In the meantime, Utahns told FOX 13 News that they will continue to budget and hope prices go down sooner rather than later.





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