Former University of Hawaii running back Heikoti Fakava died this morning in the Bay Area, a family spokeswoman confirmed. He was 46.

Fakava died after a lengthy illness.

Fakava, a graduate of Moanalua High School, was a lead blocker in his first two UH seasons. In 1987, when head coach Bob Wagner installed the triple-option offense, Fakava was featured as the single back.

"What a great young man," said Wagner, who was the UH coach at the time. "He was always upbeat. It’s shocking to hear that."

Fakava is sixth in UH career rushing yards with 2,111.

After a brief stint with the Seattle Seahawks, Fakava moved to the Bay Area in 1991 and worked as a deputy in the sheriff’s department in San Mateo, Calif.

He is survived by his wife, Kaufoou, and their five children.