Lucas Knudson Obituary, Death – A 17-year-old Orono High School senior, Lucas Knudson, has been identified as the victim of a fatal car crash late Sunday night in Minnetonka. The crash occurred shortly before 11 p.m. at the intersection of Highway 7 and Highway 101, where Knudson’s vehicle collided with a heavy light pole and burst into flames.
The announcement of Lucas’s death was shared by the Orono Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Amy Steiner, in a heartfelt letter to families. According to Dr. Steiner, Lucas’s parents, Brian Knudson and Renae Rhude-Knudson, gave permission for the district to share the tragic news.
“Lucas came to Orono in Kindergarten and was an outstanding student,” Dr. Steiner wrote. “He was a starting player on the OHS varsity basketball team and participated in Unified and Letters of Love. He had many other interests and was a friend to all.”
Dr. Steiner extended her deepest sympathies to Lucas’s family, including his parents and his two older sisters, Julia and Lauren, who are recent Orono graduates from the Classes of 2021 and 2023, respectively. She encouraged the Orono community to come together during this difficult time, emphasizing the strength of their close-knit community in offering support and comfort.
In response to the tragedy, the school district has implemented grief support measures for Lucas’s classmates, teachers, and staff. A counseling team has been made available, along with designated gathering spaces within the school to help students process their emotions. The district also assured families that it would continue to assess the needs of the school community in the coming days and provide additional resources as needed.
The superintendent’s letter acknowledged the varied ways in which grief can manifest in children and urged parents to reach out to school counselors, social workers, or psychologists for support. The district also shared additional grief resources to help families navigate this challenging time.
Lucas’s passing has left a deep void in the Orono Schools community. A beloved student and athlete, he made significant contributions both on and off the basketball court. His participation in programs like Unified and Letters of Love highlighted his commitment to inclusivity and compassion. Known for his friendly demeanor, Lucas was remembered as someone who formed meaningful connections with everyone he encountered.
The Knudson family, including Lucas’s parents and sisters, has received an outpouring of support from the Orono community and beyond. Friends, classmates, and neighbors have expressed their condolences and shared memories of Lucas, celebrating his positive impact and the joy he brought to others.
The tragedy has also underscored the importance of road safety, particularly for young drivers. While details of the crash remain under investigation, the loss of a promising young life serves as a stark reminder of the dangers on the road.
As the community grieves, Dr. Steiner urged everyone to lean on one another and draw strength from their shared sense of care and connection. In her message, she emphasized the importance of offering support to grieving students and ensuring that no one feels alone in this time of sorrow.
The Orono Schools community continues to mourn the unexpected loss of Lucas Knudson while honoring his memory as a talented athlete, dedicated student, and cherished friend. The school district remains committed to providing ongoing support to its students, staff, and families as they navigate this heartbreaking loss.