Taylor Tuli Wily Cause of Death: Family Files Wrongful-Death Lawsuit

The cause of death of beloved actor Taylor Tuli Wily is at the center of a new legal battle. His family has filed a wrongful-death lawsuit, claiming a wheelchair accident in October 2023 caused the head injuries that led to his passing on June 20, 2024. Wily, best known for his role as Kamekona on “Hawaii Five-0,” died in Utah at the age of 56.

The case was filed on September 26, 2025, in Nevada. It alleges Wily fell when a medical transport van’s wheelchair lift failed in Las Vegas. His family says that injury caused long-term complications that resulted in his death eight months later.

Details of the Alleged Incident Behind Taylor Tuli Wily’s Cause of Death

According to the lawsuit, Wily was being loaded into a van operated by GMTCare, a Nevada-based non-emergency transport company. The ramp allegedly malfunctioned, causing him to fall backward and hit his head on the pavement. His wife and children, who filed the complaint, claim the company failed to maintain safe equipment and provide proper care after the accident.

The family is seeking more than $100,000 in damages and has requested a jury trial. GMTCare has not commented publicly on the claims. At the time of his death, Wily’s manager said he died of “natural causes.” However, Utah’s Office of the Medical Examiner does not release cause or manner of death to the public, leaving the family’s allegations unconfirmed by state authorities.

Before his acting career, Wily was a professional sumo wrestler and fought in the first Ultimate Fighting Championship event in 1993 as Teila Tuli. His breakout role came when he was cast as Kamekona in “Hawaii Five-0,” appearing in 171 episodes and later reprising the role on “Magnum P.I.”

Industry and Fan Reactions to the New Information

The lawsuit has sparked renewed interest in the beloved actor’s death. Fans continue to share tributes to Wily, remembering his warm on-screen presence and comedic charm. The case also highlights safety concerns for wheelchair users in non-emergency medical transport, drawing public attention to the standards of care in this industry.

Legal experts note that wrongful-death cases often take months or years to resolve. GMTCare may challenge the claims or seek a settlement. For now, the family’s lawsuit represents allegations, not an official medical determination of cause of death.

Taylor Tuli Wily’s cause of death remains officially unconfirmed by state authorities, but his family hopes the lawsuit will bring answers and accountability for the accident they say changed everything.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Has the cause of death been officially confirmed?

No. Utah officials have not publicly released an official cause of death. The lawsuit alleges a 2023 wheelchair accident caused fatal injuries.

Q2: What incident does the lawsuit describe?

It says a wheelchair ramp failed on October 3, 2023, in Las Vegas while Wily was being transported, causing him to fall and hit his head.

Q3: Who is the defendant in the case?

The suit names GMTCare, a Nevada non-emergency medical transport company, and seeks over $100,000 in damages.

Q4: What was Wily known for on TV?

He played Kamekona on “Hawaii Five-0” and reprised the role on “Magnum P.I.” He appeared in 171 episodes of the CBS hit series.

Q5: What did he do before acting?

He was a sumo wrestler and fought in UFC 1 under the name Teila Tuli before moving into acting.