A recent high school graduate and homecoming king tragically lost his life in a vehicular accident caused by his classmate, who was under the influence of alcohol. The incident occurred in Western Minnesota, where 18-year-old Izak Schermerhorn was charged with vehicular homicide for causing the fatal crash that killed his friend, Blake Unger, also 18.
Unger was found trapped under Schermerhorn’s pickup truck, with evidence at the scene suggesting that the vehicle had been driven aggressively prior to the accident. Schermerhorn, who had previously struggled with alcoholism, admitted to consuming several alcoholic beverages on the night of the incident to celebrate their graduation from New York Mills High School.
Schermerhorn expressed remorse to the authorities, stating that he had made a grave mistake and that his life was over due to his poor decision. He also admitted to intentionally driving recklessly to show off the sound of his modified exhaust, which ultimately led to the loss of control and the fatal crash.
Schermerhorn was charged with two counts of criminal vehicular homicide related to his intoxication and a third count alleging gross negligence. He appeared in court and was released on a $1,000 bail under the condition that he seeks counseling, abstains from drug or alcohol use, and stays out of trouble. His next court appearance is scheduled for June 10.
Unger was a popular figure at New York Mills High School, where he was a three-sport athlete and was crowned homecoming king in the previous fall. His untimely death has left the school community in shock and mourning.
The school’s District Superintendent, Adam Johnson, expressed his condolences in a statement to families, acknowledging the devastating impact of the incident on the entire community. The tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of drunk driving and the irreversible consequences it can have on lives.