In the wake of a devastating shooting incident in Salt Lake City's Rose Park neighborhood, the community is grappling with profound grief and loss. The tragic event unfolded on Wednesday night during a memorial service held at the Rose Park LDS meeting house, where multiple attendees were shot. The shooting left two individuals dead and several others injured, prompting a significant police response and an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Among the victims was Vaea Tulikihihifo, affectionately known as Junior, a beloved figure in his community and a devoted family man. He was one of the two fatalities in the shooting, leaving behind a large family of eleven children. His eldest son, Darian Tulikihihifo, spoke to reporters about the profound impact his father had on their lives. "My dad was someone I looked up to. He was God-fearing, selfless, the most caring man I ever met," Darian recalled, his voice filled with emotion. "We take things for granted, not knowing how long we have them in our lives." The memorial service was meant to be a time of support and healing, an opportunity for friends and family to gather and share in their collective mourning. Instead, it turned into a scene of chaos and tragedy. Eight individuals sustained gunshot wounds during the attack, with Vaea and another community member, Sione Vatuvei, succumbing to their injuries. The loss of Vaea has sent shockwaves through the Pacific Islander community, many of whom were present at the service. Darian described his father as the life of the party, someone whose spirit could be felt from miles away. "He was definitely a family man at first," he said, emphasizing the values of love and connection that Vaea instilled in his children. The Tulikihihifo family is now left to navigate the aftermath of this tragedy, drawing strength from one another as they cope with their loss. "My dad didn’t leave us here by ourselves. He definitely taught us to always lean toward one another," Darian added. As the investigation unfolds, community members are expressing a mix of anger, frustration, and sorrow. Oreta Tupola, from the Pacific Islander Knowledge 2 Action Resources organization, spoke about the sentiments prevalent in the community. "Some people are angry about it, some people are just tired, frustrated. Why do we have to lose so many people like this?" she questioned. The congregation at the Rose Park meeting house was predominantly Tongan, further amplifying the sense of loss felt among Pacific Islanders in the area. Vaea’s legacy extended beyond his family; he was known for his commitment to uplifting others and fostering hope. Oreta Tupola mentioned the work of Sione Vatuvei, who also died in the shooting. Vatuvei had been involved in efforts to spread positive messages within the community, sharing valuable life lessons from his own experiences. His death, along with Vaea's, has left a significant void in the community. In the aftermath of this tragic shooting, the Tulikihihifo family has set up a GoFundMe campaign to assist with expenses. The family is seeking support from the broader community as they navigate the financial and emotional burdens that come with such unexpected loss. The fundraising page has already begun to attract contributions, with many community members eager to honor Vaea’s memory by helping his family during this difficult time. The impact of this incident extends beyond the immediate victims and their families. It raises pressing questions about community safety and the prevalence of violence in spaces meant for healing and reflection. The Pacific Islander Knowledge 2 Action Resources organization, which aims to create safe environments and provide resources, is now more determined than ever to amplify its mission. They host sessions called KAVA (Knowledge Above Violence Always) to empower men and foster discussions around violence prevention. As the community continues to mourn, the memory of Vaea Tulikihihifo will undoubtedly linger in the hearts of those who knew him. His selflessness, kindness, and unwavering support for others will serve as a beacon of hope for his family and the broader community in the days to come. In this time of grief, Darian's words resonate deeply: "Share that light that he gave us." As Salt Lake City grapples with the implications of this tragedy, there is a collective hope for healing and a renewed commitment to creating safer spaces for all. The Tulikihihifo family's story serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing our loved ones while we can.