Teen football player dies in crash on day of homecoming dance, Minnesota officials say
Hours before a high school homecoming dance, a student-athlete was killed in a “tragic car accident,” school officials in Minnesota said.
The student, identified by Rochester Public Schools as Davin Tukua, died Saturday, Oct. 7, the district said.
“I did not have the opportunity to meet or get to know Davin, but over the past two days, I have heard from teachers, coaches, students, and others that he was a wonderful young man,” Superintendent Kent Pekel said in an Oct. 9 Facebook post. “He was unfailingly kind and always ready to help complete a project or assist someone in need.”
Davin was also a “talented athlete” who played football and swam for Century High School, the superintendent said.
“I have heard from his coaches that he was a hard worker who always came ready to play, never complained, and would play any position or swim any stroke that would help his team compete and win,” Pekel continued.
Rochester Public Schools considered canceling the Century High School homecoming dance, but said it “was not a viable option” given the short notice, according to KSTP.
“In addition, we decided to go forward with the dance because that gives us the opportunity to provide students with support and the chance to be together at what may be a difficult time for some students,” Pekel said in an email to families obtained by the news station.
The 16-year-old from Rochester died in a three-vehicle crash in Cascade Township, KTTC reported.
Olmsted County deputies said it appeared Davin was driving southbound when his vehicle crossed into the northbound lane and struck an oncoming vehicle, according to KTTC. The northbound car then hit a third vehicle.
Davin was trapped in his vehicle when first responders arrived, KAAL reported. Rescuers removed him, but he was pronounced dead on scene.
The drivers of the other two vehicles had non-life-threatening injuries, according to the outlet. An investigation into the crash is ongoing.
“Davin was an incredible young man: an amazing son and brother, an adventurous cousin, kind, gentle & fun with his younger cousins and a wonderful friend to so many people,” loved ones said on GoFundMe. “His bright smile and energy always lit up a room. Davin will forever be in our hearts and everyone else’s heart that he touched with his bright light. His memory will forever be cherished as a bright light extinguished far too soon.”
Rochester is about 80 miles southeast of Minneapolis.
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