Peninsula High sports star dies in truck crash; three other teens hospitalized
A rising athlete at Peninsula High School was killed and three other teenagers were hospitalized after a truck hit a tree on the Key Peninsula Monday night.
Caleb Wanaka, a 17-year-old athlete and junior at Peninsula High School, died from his injuries, according to Sgt. Darren Moss of the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office.
“Five kids were in the truck, only the driver was seatbelted in,” Moss said. “The other four kids were riding in the bed of the truck.”
All four teens riding in the bed were thrown out on impact, Moss said.
The accident occurred in the 11500 block of Bliss Cochrane Rd NW. In an email, Moss said deputies were called to the scene at 9:15 p.m.
“Bliss Cochrane Road has some big dips in the roadway and speed may have contributed to the collision,” Moss said. “The truck had left the roadway and hit a tree, causing all the passengers to be ejected.”
According to Moss, the three other passengers, all teenagers, were thrown from the vehicle. Of three taken to the hospital, one had serious injuries. All were either 16 or 17 years of age.
There was no indication that alcohol was involved, Moss said.
Wanaka was a rising sports star, playing both basketball and baseball for Peninsula High School. He was named a first-team infielder to the Class 4A South Puget Sound League all-league team during the 2021 spring season and was also named to The News Tribune’s 2021 All-Area second team.
When basketball resumed in May, Wanaka was the only returning player with any varsity experience.
“He’s come in and it’s like he hasn’t missed a beat,” Coach Matt Robles said at the time.
On Monday, Robles shared the memories he had of working with Wanaka and the kindness he said he brought to the team.
“Caleb had a natural positive energy to him. Whenever he entered the room, it would light up. His peers looked up to him. He led by example and others just gravitated to him,” Robles said. “He had such a kind heart but was also a fiery competitor. But then after competing in a game he would turn around and be the politest, well-behaved kid you would ever come across.”
It is that “kind, caring soul” that Robles said he will remember Wanaka by.
“That’s what I am going to miss so much. Just his kind, caring soul that wanted the best for everyone around him with no judgment. He just wanted everyone to succeed, and you do not see that too often,” Robles said. “Just one of the most caring young individuals I have ever come across.
“I will miss him dearly.”
Peninsula baseball coach Michael Johnson told The Gateway that Wanaka was a mentor to his teammates.
“He was the kind of guy that was welcoming to everybody. It didn’t matter if you were a 14-year-old freshman or you were a senior, he was just so kind and open to helping everybody get better,” Johnson said. “Not only was he an extremely talented athlete, both on the baseball field and on the basketball court, he was just a great piece of this community. Its devastating to lose somebody that cares so much about those around them.”
Peninsula High School Principal Joe Potts sent an email to parents Tuesday expressing “deep sadness” at Wanaka’s death.
“We are heartbroken with the news of the death of one of our Seahawks,” he said.
“The death of a student affects the entire Peninsula School District community, and we send our deepest expressions of sympathy to the student’s parents, family, and friends,” Potts wrote.
According to a post on the official Peninsula high baseball team Twitter account, a memorial service for Wanaka will be held on Friday, July 9 at 7 p.m. on the Peninsula High School baseball field.
“Caleb’s family would like to invite anyone interested in paying their respects,” the post said. “We look forward to honoring Caleb and remembering a young man we all loved dearly.”
For friends and family who wish counseling, district Lead Counselor Becky Maffei can be reached at 253-514-3056
Jordan Whitford contributed to this story.
This story was originally published June 29, 2021 at 11:29 AM.
