Latest news with #NewYorkMillsPublicSchool
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Charges: Teen was drunk, fishtailing before crash that killed classmate
Charges: Teen was drunk, fishtailing before crash that killed classmate originally appeared on Bring Me The News. An 18-year-old was drunk behind the wheel and showing off his pickup truck when he crashed into a ditch, killing his friend on a night they had celebrated their recent graduations, according to charges filed in Otter Tail County. Izak Shermerhorn, of New York Mills, is charged with three counts of criminal vehicular homicide in the Tuesday evening crash that killed New York Mills Public School student-athlete Blake Unger, 18. Unger was pronounced dead at the scene after being found pinned underneath Shermerhorn's pickup truck. A deputy who responded to the scene noted "deep ruts in the road where it appeared the driver had been aggressively fishtailing back and forth along the gravel road before rolling." The criminal complaint says Shermerhorn's eyes were "pink and glassy" at the scene, and he made statements to the effect that his life was over "all for a couple of drinks," and said he "f****** up." Shermerhorn allegedly told the deputy he had drank three to four Mike's Hard Lemonades. He then failed a field sobriety test. The teen said he had picked Unger up from his house – claiming that Unger "was intoxicated before he arrived," per the complaint – and was just planning to drive around and then bring him home. The complaint then reads: "He said he wanted to show off the sound of his exhaust because he modified his catalytic converter. He intentionally had been sliding around the road before the crash and was not able to control the vehicle when it went into the ditch." He said he next remembered calling his mother and trying to break out of the driver's side window, with his vehicle on its side, with Unger under the passenger side. The complaint says Shermerhorn had abstained from drinking for almost a year "due to issues with alcohol," but had "decided to celebrate because he was graduating from high school." Tributes have been paid to Unger, a decorated wrestling and football team player and the Homecoming King at New York Mills Public School. His memorial service is planned for story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on May 29, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Community mourns beloved Homecoming King killed in pickup crash
Community mourns beloved Homecoming King killed in pickup crash originally appeared on Bring Me The News. The New York Mills community is paying tribute to Blake Unger, the 18-year-old Homecoming King who was tragically killed in a pickup truck crash just days after graduating from high school. Unger died at the scene following the crash in Otter Tail County on Tuesday evening, with police finding the vehicle in a ditch and Unger outside the vehicle. The 18-year-old driver has been arrested for DWI and criminal vehicular homicide. Tributes to Unger reveal him to be a decorated wrestler and football player at New York Mills Public School, where his visitation and memorial will be held on Wednesday, June 4. A GoFundMe campaign has been created by John Ronning to help the Unger family with their devastating loss, which has raised almost $15,000 in less than 48 hours. One of Unger's relatives paid tribute on Facebook, saying: "Blake touched so many lives with his kindness, laughter, and huge heart. We welcome all who knew and loved him to come and celebrate the beautiful life he lived." The New York Mills wrestling and football teams have posted pictures and videos of Unger in action. "It's with heavy heart that we say goodbye to our big hearted Blake," said New York Mills Wrestling. "Blake had a heart bigger than any wrestling mat. He always took the time to recognize and nurture the youth around him. Your personality and leadership greatly impacted many and will be missed! Once an Eagle, ALWAYS an EAGLE! Fly." The New York Mills Football team shared video of a game-winning interception Unger made during a game against Breckenridge last season. "Today, we are shattered to learn of the passing of one of our own. A teammate, a friend, a brother," the team said. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends, teammates, and the entire New York Mills community during this incredibly difficult time." This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on May 29, 2025, where it first appeared.
