Key Takeaways
- Lucas was driving a Cadillac Lyriq eastbound at the time of the accident.
- Orono Public School described him as “an outstanding student” who positively influenced those around him.
- He was a starter on the varsity basketball team.
Lucas Knudson, a 17-year-old senior at Orono High School in Minnesota, tragically lost his life in a single-vehicle accident on the night of Sunday, November 17, 2024.
This heartbreaking incident has left his family, school, and community grieving the loss of a talented and compassionate young individual.
The accident occurred at approximately 10:47 p.m. on Highway 7 near County Road 101 in Minnetonka.
According to the Minnesota State Patrol, Lucas was driving an eastbound Cadillac Lyriq when his vehicle veered off the road and collided with a light pole.
The impact caused the car to ignite in flames. Despite a swift response from emergency personnel, Lucas sadly passed away at the scene.
On Monday, Orono Public School confirmed Lucas’s identity with his family’s permission.
The school described him as a well-rounded student, admired by teachers, classmates, and the wider community. His death has deeply affected those who knew him.
The Orono school district confirms standout student and athlete Lucas Knudson was killed in the crash Sunday night: https://t.co/pzDTXceou0 pic.twitter.com/H5zCelBwYk
— Guy Still (@mplstvguy) November 18, 2024
On X (formerly Twitter), a heartfelt message was shared:
Coach says Lucas Knudson was the “energizer”, teammates said the 17yo could joke with the best of ’em. The loved one they called ‘Luke’ died in a car crash over the weekend. Many gathered together to honor him – we’ll share moments from his vigil tonight on @KSTP
Via X
Lucas was highly accomplished both academically and athletically. As a starter on the varsity basketball team, he earned respect for his dedication and sportsmanship.
Beyond his athletic achievements, Lucas participated in programs like Unified and Letters of Love, showcasing his commitment to inclusivity and kindness.
In a heartfelt letter to the community, Orono Public Schools described him as “an outstanding student” who positively impacted the lives of everyone around him.
The school has provided grief support through counselors and support teams to help students and staff cope with this tragic loss.
The accident also disrupted local traffic. The damage to the light pole left traffic signals at the intersection of Highway 7 and County Road 101 out of service.
The Minnetonka Police Department issued a public alert on X (formerly Twitter):
🚨Traffic Alert: The traffic lights at Highway 7 and County Rd 101 are currently out of service. The intersection is being managed as a four-way stop, leading to significant delays. Please be patient and consider using alternative routes.
— Minnetonka Police Department (@mtkapd) November 18, 2024
This tragedy has profoundly impacted the Orono and Minnetonka communities. Lucas’s passing is a stark reminder of how fragile and unpredictable life can be.
As the community mourns his loss, his legacy of kindness, hard work, and leadership continues to inspire those who knew him.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Lucas Knudson was from Corcoran, California.
