Tragedy Strikes as Mahtomedi Hockey Player Samson Walters Passes Away in Car Crash
The Mahtomedi community is mourning the loss of 16-year-old hockey player Samson Walters, who tragically lost his life in a car crash last week. Family, friends, and community members are joining together to remember a vibrant young soul.
According to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Walters was involved in a three-car collision near the intersection of Justen Trail North and Jamaca Avenue North in the city of Grant.
At the crash site, a poignant memorial has emerged, adorned with hockey sticks, flowers, and a cross, marking the spot where Walters’ life was cut short.
Tristan Nguyen, a close friend, reflects on the profound impact of their nearly 10-year friendship. “Samson was like nobody else I ever met. He was the happiest kid I ever knew. It was almost like he had a chemical imbalance in his brain, except he was just always happy, always smiling,” Nguyen shared.
Walters had a deep love for fishing, the outdoors, exploring different cuisines, and a fervor for hockey. He played on the Junior Gold 16 team with the Mahtomedi Youth Hockey Association.
“He was just a ball of energy,” recalled Tom Larson, who coached Samson last year. “He was very comical, always smiling, never not smiling. He had a very contagious laughter, smile. People were drawn to him. I mean, he made a huge impact on this community.”
In a touching display of solidarity, the community placed hockey sticks on doorsteps as a tribute. During a recent matchup against Mahtomedi, Cottage Grove honored Walters by creating patches for both teams’ jerseys.
Nguyen, who was with Walters in some of his final moments, shared, “Other people sent me things they wanted me to say to him quick, and I was able to whisper those things in his ear and made sure that he knew how much he was loved.”
While Walters’ life was tragically cut short, Nguyen finds solace in knowing that his friend is in a better place. The Mahtomedi community comes together in grief, celebrating the vibrant spirit that Samson Walters brought to their lives.
