SOUTH ST. PAUL, Minn. – The community is mourning the tragic loss of Matt Lee, a 20-year-old St. Olaf College football player and junior economics major, who was identified as the victim of a fatal shooting in South St. Paul on Friday morning, September 12, 2025.
Lee, a dedicated linebacker for the St. Olaf Oles, was remembered not only for his athletic talent but also for his kindness, determination, and impact on those around him. Friends, teammates, and classmates describe him as a bright light whose future was filled with promise.
The shooting occurred at a residence in the 300 block of 2nd Avenue South around 3:45 a.m. Authorities confirmed that Lee died at the scene, while another man was critically injured and rushed to the hospital. The suspect, a 19-year-old man from St. Paul, fled but was arrested without incident two hours later.
St. Olaf Athletics and College Ministry paid tribute to Lee, acknowledging the heartbreak felt across campus. “The entire St. Olaf community is grieving the death of student-athlete Matt Lee, who passed away early Friday morning,” the college said in a statement. A remembrance gathering was held Friday evening at Boe Memorial Chapel, where students, faculty, and teammates joined together to honor his memory.
As the investigation into the shooting continues, the focus for many remains on celebrating Lee’s life and the legacy he leaves behind. He will be remembered as a son, teammate, and friend whose time on earth was far too short but whose impact will endure.
Leave a Reply