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Milaca Family Grieving After Son, 12, Dies In Rollover Crash

By James Schugel, WCCO-TV

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) --It was supposed to be a day to celebrate. Now, a Milaca family is grieving the loss of their 12-year-old son after he died in a rollover crash Thursday morning.

Micah Roelofs was on his way to school when the crash happened west of the City of Pease in Milo Township. His 17-year-old sister was driving, and it was her birthday.

It was icy on 125th Avenue, so when the SUV hit the ice, it did a tail spin and flipped several times. Micah was in the backseat and wasn't wearing his seatbelt, according to the Mille Lacs County Sheriff's Office. He was partially ejected and died at the scene.

His parents, Mary and Tom Roelofs, got to the crash just minutes after it happened. Their pastor also got their quickly and was able to help them.

Micah's older brother and friend were also in the car, but walked away OK.

Micah's parents remember his desire to help people and his can-do attitude, but now they're the ones being helped by their community following his death. They say Micah, the youngest of six children, loved snowmobiling, soccer and wrestling.

Now, the family is getting help from their Church, too.

With sad faces and heavy hearts, children and parents came to Princeton's New Life Church to express grief and express gratitude for knowing Micah.

"Amidst all the sadness, we have a lot to be thankful for. And we'll get through this with God's help. We'll get through through this with family," said Micah's mother.

Micah's sister is having a very tough time dealing with her brother's death, according to her parents.

Micah's family wants people to remember their son's accomplishments and remember what he didn't do. Had he used his seat belt, they believe he would still be alive.

"We will miss him everyday," said Micah's mother.

The Mille Lacs County Sheriff says at least two were wearing their seat belts.

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