Tui Crichton, Former BYU Football, Timpview OL, Passes Away

PROVO, Utah – Tui Crichton (TOO-ee Cry-ton), a former BYU football and Timpview High School offensive lineman, has passed away at the age of 30.

Timpview High School issued a public statement on Crichton’s passing on social media.

“Rest in love to Tui Crichton. One of the most dominant OL that came out of Timpview. He had an energetic personality. And if you were around him you were laughing. Once a T-Bird ALWAYS a T-Bird. Rest in love.”

Rest in love to Tui Crichton. One of the most dominant OL that came out of Timpview. He had an energetic personality. And if you were around him you were laughing.
Once a T-Bird ALWAYS a T-Bird.
Rest in love pic.twitter.com/gys4IXVwVO

— Timpview Football (@T_BirdFootball) March 29, 2021

Crichton was a key piece along the Timpview offensive line that led the T-Birds to their first-ever undefeated State Championship season in 2007. A former three-star recruit, Crichton played on the same offensive line with current Cincinnati Bengals lineman Xavier Su’a-Filo.

Crichton’s last season at Timpview was that junior year in 2007. Prior to his senior season with the T-Birds, he suffered a season-ending shoulder injury.

Crichton received recruiting interest from Utah, Colorado, LSU, Arizona State, and Hawaii before ultimately signing with the BYU football program during their zenith under head coach Bronco Mendenhall and his uncle, offensive coordinator Robert Anae.

A member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Crichton served a two-year mission for The Church to Houston, Texas.

Rest in Love Tui 💙 pic.twitter.com/NrSu12CkdX

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) March 29, 2021

He returned to BYU in 2012, where he saw time at both offensive line and defensive line. Crichton started that redshirt freshman season at the offensive line, where he was one of the top reserves and was part of the travel roster. Then he switched to nose tackle, where he saw action in seven games, before going back to the offensive line to close the season.

In 2013, Crichton appeared in three games against Virginia, Texas, and Middle Tennessee.

Crichton then transferred to Weber State, where he was receiving playing time before suffering a broken leg in 2014.

Former teammates of Crichton’s expressed heartfelt messages for the passing of their friend and teammate.

Travis Tuiloma, a member of the same 2009 recruiting class as Crichton, wrote on his personal Instagram the following:

“I Love you my Uso! You’ve always been a brighter part of everyone’s day. The smoothest big man I know. The one to put a smile on everyone’s face. Multi-Talented individual and a flat-out good person. That is Something that can’t be beat. Still can’t believe you’re gone bro. I know you’re in heaven continuing all the good you did here! Love you bro. Oi Sooooleee! I miss you uce.”

Former BYU offensive lineman Brayden Kearsley wrote on his Instagram stories, “One of the most fun people to be around. Never met someone who loves those around him more. Capable of putting a smile on anyone’s face. Lost a brother today. I love you uso!”

Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for sports.ksl.com and host of the Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports Saturday (Saturday from 12–3 p.m., KSL Newsradio). Follow him on Twitter: @Mitch_Harper and the KSL Sports app.