STILLWATER, Minn. - A community is in shock after a fatal crash involving five Carleton College students.
Three members of the college's Ultimate Frisbee team were killed and two others were injured in the crash that occurred on Friday afternoon just north of Northfield on Highway 3.
State patrol says an SUV carrying the five students spun out on the icy road and collided with a semi-truck.
Killed were James Adams, 20, of St. Paul, Michael Goodgame, 20, of Westport, Conn. and Paxton Harvieux, 21, of Stillwater.
All three of the young men killed are described as talented and bright.
Dave Harvieux, the grandfather of Paxton,described him as an exceptional student, musician and athlete whose family is now missing him desperately.
Paxton began life surrounded with love, living at his grandparents' house in Stillwater with his mom.
"I was half grandpa and half dad. He lived with us the first year and a half or so that he was in this world and we had a very special unique relationship," his grandfather said.
He said seeing his first grandchild's life end while in college is so very hard.
"He just had a way with really getting inside people and seeing the good in people and we're going to really miss him," he said.
James Adams was a graduate of St. Paul Academy and Summit School. A school spokesperson issued a statement on Saturday.
"The SPA community is devastated by the loss of James. He was a true and natural leader, a generous and gentle person who touched many lives throughout the school through his deep involvement in academic classes, athletics, and student organizations. James' family has been a part of the SPA community for many years, and all our thoughts and prayers are with them at this unspeakably sad time."
As part of the Carleton Ultimate Frisbee Team, the students were on their way to the airport Friday for a tournament at Stanford University in California.
William Sparks, 20, of Evanston, Illinois and Connor Eckert, 19, of Seattle, Wash. were injured in the crash.
At a news conference on Saturday, Lt. Eric Roeske with the Minnesota State Patrol said it's important for drivers to be careful in snowy, icy conditions.
"This is specifically the type of incident we're trying to prevent," Roeske said.
According to the State Patrol, the students were all wearing seatbelts and no drugs or alcohol are suspected.
At Carleton College Saturday morning, students packed the chapel for a vigil for the three who died and the two others who remain hospitalized. Eckert is in serious condition at Hennepin County Medical Center. Sparks is in satisfactory condition.
"James, Paxton and Mike were all integral parts of this community, really vibrant young men, who brought a lot of energy to this campus and we're really going to miss them," Carleton Student Association President Matthew Fitzgerald said.
Dave Harvieux is glad he and his wife visited Paxton at college a few weeks ago. He said Paxton posted on Facebook the next day that he had great grandparents. He tells others never miss a chance to be with those you love.
Choking up, he said, "My wife and I were talking last night and talking about our loss and she said, 'No, We had 21 great years.'"
A memorial fund has been set up in Paxton Harvieux's name. Donations will be accepted at any TCF Bank.
