- Colton Warren Moser, 25, died with two peers in a tragic incident.
- Isaiah Vaughn Pulu is accused of leaving them in a van with the engine running, leading to their deaths.
- Pulu was arrested for investigation of manslaughter; Moser's family seeks funds for funeral and justice.
WEST VALLEY CITY — A man who died along with two peers in a tragic incident last week is being remembered for his big smile.
"Colton had a big, bright smile and a very special spirit that impacted everyone around him. He taught us all so much about how beautiful being different truly was and to not judge others. We are so grateful for the 25 years we were honored to be his family and will miss him every day," his family wrote in a post on GoFundMe campaign.*
Colton Warren Moser, 25, was one of three men with disabilities who died Friday after being left in a van in a garage with the engine running. Mosa'ati Moa, 22, and Tim Jones, 39, were the other two. All three were residents at different group homes in West Valley City, according to police.
Investigators say Isaiah Vaughn Pulu, 25, took the three men in a transportation van to his apartment in West Valley City, "when one of the victims would not calm down and was being disruptive. The arrested party told the three victims to remain in the vehicle, which was running and with the windows down, while he went to his apartment to eat and watch TV," a police booking affidavit states.
Pulu — who police say "is employed by a company that cares for disabled adults" — claimed the garage door was open when he left the three. When he returned 3 1/2 hours later, "he found the garage door was now closed, the vehicle was off and would not start, and all three were unresponsive. All three were declared deceased on scene," according to the affidavit.
Pulu was arrested for investigation of three counts of manslaughter and three counts of aggravated abuse of a vulnerable adult. As of Wednesday, no formal charges had been filed by the Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office.
Moser's family calls his death "a shocking and deeply senseless act of negligence — vulnerable young men who depended on others for care, safety and protection. Our world stopped in an instant, and nothing will ever feel the same again. The pain of losing him this way is something no family should ever have to endure," according to the fundraising site.
The family is seeking funds for "the unexpected expenses that come with laying him to rest, creating a meaningful celebration of his life and preparing for potential legal costs as we seek accountability and answers."
"Thank you for loving our sweet boy with us," the family said. "Thank you for helping us carry his light forward when our hearts feel unbearably heavy."
*KSL.com does not assure that the money deposited into 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.
