Minnesota High School Graduation Ends in Tragedy as Homecoming King Killed in Alleged DUI Crash

Blake Unger (pictured), 18, a beloved homecoming king and standout athlete from New York Mills High School, was killed on Tuesday when his classmate, Izak Schermerhorn, also 18, crashed his pickup truck while intoxicated

A Minnesota high school graduation celebration turned tragic when 18-year-old Blake Unger, the homecoming king and standout athlete of New York Mills High School, was killed in a fatal crash allegedly caused by an intoxicated classmate, also 18, just days after the two celebrated their graduation.

The accident occurred late Tuesday in Bluffton Township, near the intersection of County Highway 75 and 640th Avenue. Unger was riding in a pickup truck driven by his classmate, Izak Schermerhorn, when the vehicle flipped and rolled into a ditch, fatally pinning Unger beneath it.

Izak Schermerhorn (pictured), 18, told authorities he had consumed three to four Mike's Hard Lemonades before picking up his friend for a late-night drive

Authorities reported that Schermerhorn admitted to drinking three to four bottles of Mike's Hard Lemonade prior to the crash. He told investigators he was demonstrating recent modifications to his truck's exhaust system and was intentionally fishtailing along the gravel road. According to the criminal complaint, deputies observed deep ruts in the road consistent with aggressive fishtailing.

Schermerhorn lost control of the vehicle during the maneuver, causing it to overturn. Despite emergency response efforts, Unger was pronounced dead at the scene.

The two had been celebrating their recent graduation when the fatal accident occurred in Bluffton Township in the area of County Highway 75 and 640th Avenue. Pictured: Blake Unger with his parents at New York Mills High School graduation in New York Mills, Minnesota

Schermerhorn, who had reportedly been sober for a year after previously battling alcoholism, showed immediate remorse at the scene. Deputies stated that he repeatedly expressed regret, saying, “I f**ked up,” and that his life was over “for a couple of drinks.” His blood alcohol concentration was measured at 0.13, significantly above the legal limit.

He now faces three felony counts of criminal vehicular homicide: two for driving under the influence and one for gross negligence. A judge released him on $1,000 bail Thursday under strict conditions, including mandatory counseling and abstaining from alcohol and drugs. He is scheduled to appear in court again on June 10.

Unger was remembered for his athleticism and leadership, particularly his game-saving interception in football and his contributions to the wrestling team

The loss of Unger has deeply shaken the New York Mills community. Known for his leadership and athleticism, Unger was celebrated for his accomplishments on the football field, including a crucial game-saving interception, and for his dedication to the wrestling team.

District Superintendent Adam Johnson addressed the tragedy in a message to families, saying, “It is with a great deal of sadness that I share this message with you … that a member of our school community has passed away in a motor vehicle accident. This is a devastating time for our entire community.”