Pittsburg, CA – On the morning of Sunday, March 23, 2025, a high-speed police chase ended in a crash that killed 22-year-old Vilamalia Polina Tu’ipulotu and left her fiancé, Beaux Tagaloa, in critical condition, according to KRON.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reports that the crash took place around 12:40 AM near the intersection of East Leland Road and Gladstone Drive.
Authorities state that officers were pursuing a stolen gray Infiniti sedan traveling over 100 miles per hour on Highway 4. The driver then exited at Railroad Avenue, ran a red light, and continued fleeing through surface streets before crashing into a blue SUV carrying Tu’ipulotu and Tagaloa.
Tu’ipulotu, a San Mateo native and San Mateo High School graduate, died at the scene. She and Tagaloa, a college football coach at Diablo Valley College, were engaged.
Witnesses reported seeing the Infiniti speeding through the streets with police in pursuit. Emergency responders found both vehicles heavily damaged. Contra Costa Fire Protection District officials confirmed that three people were involved, including the suspect, who was also transported to a trauma center.
The Pittsburg Police Department stated that only CHP officers were involved in the pursuit. The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office is investigating the incident.
Family members of Tu’ipulotu have created a GoFundMe page to raise funds for her funeral expenses.
Wrongful Death Claims
Losing a loved one in a traffic accident is devastating, and the pain can be made worse by the financial strain that often follows. Medical bills, funeral costs, and the loss of income to support dependents of the deceased can leave families struggling. Filing a Wrongful Death claim against those responsible can provide compensation to help with these expenses.
California Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a California Wrongful Death Lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
