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18-Year-Old Dies in ATV Ice Incident Weeks Before Birthday
2024-12-13
A Minnesota teen's life was cut short in a tragic accident when the all-terrain vehicle he was riding fell through the ice on a lake. This incident has left his family, friends, and community in shock and mourning. Let's delve into the details of this heartbreaking event.

Remembering Blake Herman - A Life Cut Short

The Accident on Blackwater Lake

On a Monday evening, around 5:57 p.m. local time on December 9th, authorities in Cass County responded to reports of two individuals on an ATV that went through the ice on Blackwater Lake. A 20-year-old man, Dylan Wheeler of Longville, was found in the water and rescued. He was treated for exposure and hypothermia and airlifted to a hospital, where he is expected to make a full recovery.However, the search for 18-year-old Blake Herman continued through Tuesday. Around 12:55 p.m., his body was found and recovered from the lake. Blake was born on December 30, 2005, and was remembered as a person with a zest for life.

Blake Herman - A Dedicated Worker and Family Man

At Wheeler Marine during the summer, Blake found immense joy in installing docks. He was a proud and dedicated worker who also lent a helping hand in the shop whenever needed. The team there considered him their second family.Blake was deeply committed to building a future with his girlfriend, Kylah. He poured his heart into the home they were creating together. He was the center of his family's world - a hard worker, kind-hearted, funny, and always the life of the party. He was a role model to his younger sister, Kaydence, and a beloved cousin to Bennett, Emery, Micah, Parker, Hank, Millie, and Mack.

The Impact on His Family and Community

Herman is survived by his parents, sister, biological father, grandparents, and other relatives. A GoFundMe was established to help his family with funeral and memorial expenses. As of December 13th, the fundraiser generated over $23,000. His 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."A celebration of Blake's life is scheduled for Saturday, December 21 at the Salem Lutheran Church in Longville. His legacy of kindness, generosity, and passion will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
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