A College linebacker named Matthew Lee was reportedly gunned down in Minnesota on Friday.
Lee, who represented the St. Olaf College football program, was shot in South St. Paul on Friday morning. Investigators note the fatal shooting occurred just before 4:00 a.m. and that two men were found inside a building on the 300 block of 2nd Avenue.
The other was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.
The LB’s death came just two days after the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was killed by a lone gunman while debating students at Utah Valley University on Wednesday.
It also follows a Florida State football player getting shot hours after a win over Alabama last month.
Matthew Lee Was Hoping To Make An Impact This Fall After Suffering A Serious Injury Last Season
Lee, who wore No. 42 for the team, was recovering after suffering a torn MCL last season and was hoping to make an impact this season. He was in the team’s locker room the day before he was killed.
“The tough thing yesterday was going into the locker room and seeing all the flowers,” head coach James Kilian said, per FOX 9. “He just came to work every day, and I think he endeared himself to the team.”
The coach got to know Matthew personally over the years. He told the outlet that the player faced adversity in high school that he was able to overcome, which led to him playing football and studying economics at St. Olaf.
“That was the thing that I think attracted to me the most, that he had the grit already, and he’s just a gritty kid,” said Kilian.
“Matthew was not only a devoted son to his beautiful and strong mother, but also a protective and loving older brother. His presence lit up every room, and his care for others left a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know him,” his family said on a GoFundMe page set up in his name.
“Matthew did not deserve to die. His life mattered. His dreams mattered,” they added.
Our hearts go out to Matthew Lee’s family, friends, loved ones, and the St. Olaf football team.
May he rest in peace.
