Carleton Mourns 3 Students Killed In Crash
NORTHFIELD, Minn. (WCCO) -- Carleton College is mourning the deaths of three students killed in a crash on icy roads.
The fatal crash happened Friday while the young men were riding in an SUV just north of campus on Highway 3.
The State Patrol says their vehicle spun out of control and right into the path of an oncoming semi.
Many who knew the three students came together Saturday at the Skinner Memorial Chapel to show their love and support.
"The young men involved in the accident represent the very best of Carleton, and we're heartbroken," said Joe Hargis, Carleton's chair associate vice president for external relations.
Carleton College President Steven Poskanzer says the sense of loss is palpable on the campus.
"Right now there are not good words that can really capture the sense of loss that we're feeling as a community and the grief," Poskanzer said.
Students, staff, faculty and friends piled into the chapel to remember James Adams, Michael Goodgame and Paxton Harvieux.
Matthew Fitzgerald, Carleton's student body president, found it hard to talk about what their deaths mean to the entire campus community.
"Carleton's a place full of love and respect for each other, and so that's what we need to do right now," Fitzgerald said. "James, Paxton and Mike were all integral parts of this community and really vibrant young men who brought a lot of energy to this campus, and we're going to all miss them."
The students, who were also members of Carleton's Ultimate Frisbee team, were remembered Saturday as leaders, and young men whose presence will be sadly missed.
"We will turn to one another with tears and hugs and prayers and stories of people that we love, and the love that we have for one another, I believe, will help Carleton in this very difficult time," Poskanzer said.
Two other Carleton College students - Conor Eckert and William Sparks - were in the vehicle and survived. They are both listed in stable condition.
The State Patrol says roads were snowy and icy at the time of the crash. They are still investigating the accident
