A devastating accident on a Minnesota lake has left a community in shock and a family heartbroken.
18-year-old Blake Herman was just three weeks shy of his 19th birthday when his life was cut short in a tragic ATV accident on Blackwater Lake in Longville, Minnesota.
A Fateful Ride on Blackwater Lake
On Monday, December 9, around 5:57 p.m. local time, authorities responded to reports of two individuals traveling on an ATV that had fallen through the ice on Blackwater Lake. When authorities arrived, they found 20-year-old Dylan Wheeler, of Longville, in the water. Wheeler was rescued and treated for exposure and hypothermia before being airlifted to a hospital, where he is expected to make a full recovery.
A Search Turns to Tragedy
The search for Blake Herman continued through Tuesday, December 10, until his body was found and recovered from the lake around 12:55 p.m. The news sent shockwaves through the community, leaving friends, family, and loved ones reeling from the loss.
Remembering Blake: A Life Cut Short
In a published obituary, Blake Herman was remembered as someone with a zest for life. “A proud and dedicated worker, Blake found immense joy at Wheeler Marine, where he installed docks during the summer and lent a helping hand in the shop whenever needed,” read the tribute. “The team there is his second family.” The obituary also highlighted Blake’s commitment to building a future with his girlfriend, Kylah, and his love for his family, particularly his younger sister, Kaydence.
A Family’s Loss and Legacy
Blake’s family described him as the center of their world – a hard worker, kind-hearted, funny, and always the life of the party. He was a role model to his younger sister and a beloved cousin to many. The family also set up a GoFundMe page to help pay for funeral and memorial expenses, which has already generated over $23,000 as of Friday, December 13.
A Celebration of Life
A celebration of Blake’s life is scheduled for Saturday, December 21, at the Salem Lutheran Church in Longville. The family wrote on the fundraising page, “Blake was a bright young man with a kind heart and an infectious smile. He touched the lives of everyone he met, and his loss leaves a hole that can never be filled.”
Blake’s Legacy Lives On
As the community comes together to support Blake’s family during this difficult time, they also remember his legacy of kindness, generosity, and passion. “Blake’s legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him,” read a message on the tribute. “He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.”