Former UH lineman Ma'afala dies

Advertiser Staff and News Services

Nick Ma'afala, a former Hawai'i defensive lineman and brother of Pittsburgh Steelers running back Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala, died yesterday afternoon at St. Francis Medical Center after a long battle with leukemia.

The 33-year-old Ma'afala brother was diagnosed with leukemia last year and received a bone marrow transplant early this year. The donor was his sister, Leimomi Ma'afala.

Ma'afala, who played for UH in 1985 and 1986, underwent his first cycle of chemotherapy last April.

Ma'afala was a standout defensive lineman at McKinley High School before injuries and personal problems abbreviated his college career. Surgically repaired knees cost him a pro career.

He played semipro football, and spent 1999 as an assistant coach at McKinley.

His brother Roy Ma'afala played football at Utah.

Nick Ma'afala and his siblings grew up in Mayor Wright Homes.

He is survived by his wife, Shannon Sandry of Pearl City, and by his mother, Lusia Ma'afala of Kalihi-Palama.

He is also survived by his 10 brothers and sisters: Punipuao Brown of Bellingham, Wash.; Katarina Ieru; Albert Ma'afala; Tenari Ma'afala; Benson Ma'afala; Leimomi Ma'afala; Naomi Maiava; Roy Ma'afala; Tanya Fuamatu and Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala.