← Back to Newsroom

Washington: Family of man who died in fall at Emerald Queen Casino seeks answers amid their grief

December 23, 2025 · 3:02pm ET | 12:02pm PT
  • Conner Board, K5

A Federal Way family is searching for answers after their loved one died Saturday night when he fell multiple stories inside Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma.

Evan Potifara, 37, died from his injuries after falling from the upper level inside the casino near the escalators, according to Tacoma Fire Department, which responded to reports of someone falling through glass inside the building.

“We expected to see him the next morning,” said Risepa Lutu, Potifara’s sister. “Not see his body, not say goodbye, not sit in an empty room, not hear his voice.”

Potifara’s family described him as the glue who held everything together. They said he was a caring and loving person who served as a father figure to his nieces and nephews.