ORONO, Minn. — School officials have confirmed the identity of a 17-year-old who died late Sunday after his vehicle crashed into a heavy light off a Minnetonka highway and burst into flames.
The Orono Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Amy Steiner, wrote a letter to families telling them the parents of Orono High School senior Lucas Knudson told the district they could share the news that Lucas died in the crash, which took place shortly before 11 p.m. on Highway 7 at the intersection with Highway 101.
"Lucas came to Orono in Kindergarten and was an outstanding student," Dr. Steiner shared in the letter. "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."
The district is offering grief support to Knudson's classmates and school staff by providing a counseling team and special gathering places to deal with his unexpected passing. The superintendent said staff will continue to evaluate the needs of students in the coming days and provide whatever resources are necessary.
Lucas is survived by his father Brian, mother Renae and two sisters who are recent Orono graduates: Julia, Class of 2021; and Lauren, Class of 2023.
Below is the letter sent home to Orono High School families by Superintendent Dr. Amy Steiner.
Dear Orono families and staff,
The Orono Schools community is heartbroken this morning as we learned the news that one of our dear seniors, Lucas Knudson, passed away last night in an automobile accident. With the family’s permission, we shared this news with our Orono High School student body this morning. In response to this tragic news, we are offering grief support to our students through our school counselors and support teams, gathering places in OHS, and with OHS staff. We want to share with our community of Orono families as well.
Lucas came to Orono in Kindergarten and was an outstanding student. 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.
It is normal for children to show grief in a number of ways and through a range of emotions. Please know that our Orono staff are here to help in any way during this difficult time, whether today or in the coming days and weeks. We recognize that today and the following days will be particularly difficult. We want to offer support and resources as we all respond to grieving students. Please see the following resources below, or reach out to any of our school counselors, school social workers, or school psychologists.
Our hearts and deepest sympathies are with the family, including Lucas’ father Brian Knudson, mother Renae Rhude-Knudson, and his two sisters who are recent Orono graduates: Julia, Class of 2021; and Lauren, Class of 2023.
During this difficult time, let us lean on one another and draw strength from our close and caring community.
Dr. Kristine Flesher, Superintendent
Dr. Amy Steiner, Principal