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A Washington State offensive lineman is recovering after being shot at an off-campus party following the team’s Apple Cup loss to Washington. Sone Falealo, a transfer from Idaho, was shot early Sunday morning while attempting to break up an altercation, The Spokesman-Review reported Monday.
Police have identified the alleged shooter as 20-year-old Jakori Buchanan, a University of Washington student. The rivalry game tension apparently spilled beyond the field, with authorities securing an arrest warrant for Buchanan on first- and fourth-degree assault charges.
The incident unfolded when Falealo and two teammates — Jaylin Caldwell and Xavier Thorpe — were asked to provide security at the party. Court documents reveal that Buchanan allegedly struck a female partygoer in the chest after she tried defending herself during an argument.
The three Cougar linemen stepped in to help.
During the ensuing confrontation, Falealo was shot. He later told investigators he “didn’t remember much after that” following the incident. The 6-foot-6, 310-pound Alaska native was rushed to Pullman Regional Hospital where doctors successfully removed the bullet during surgery, according to KREM-TV in Spokane.
Thorpe provided key details to police, reporting that Buchanan and his companions fled in what was later identified as a gray 2025 Hyundai Sonata — a rental car tracked to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
Buchanan’s attorney is pushing back against the allegations. Ronnie Rae issued a statement claiming his client acted in self-defense while trying to protect his cousin, who reportedly was also injured during the altercation.
“Washington State University can confirm that one of our student-athletes was the victim of a shooting that occurred at an off-campus gathering,” WSU spokeswoman Pam Scott told The Spokesman-Review. “The student is currently recovering and his family is with him in Pullman.”
Falealo, who transferred to Washington State in April, hasn’t seen game action for the Cougars this season. He previously redshirted during his time with the Idaho Vandals program last year. The good news for Cougar fans — he’s expected to make a full recovery from his injuries.
