On Wednesday afternoon, July 28, Blue appeared at the Orono Police Department, where he was arrested at 4:49 p.m. on probable cause for two counts of criminal vehicular homicide. At 11:47 p.m. on Saturday night, Orono police reported a fatal accident at the intersection of North Shore Drive and Bohns Point Road. According to friends of Schuneman who were with him and Motzko on Saturday night, Blue hosted a party at his house, near the crash scene, and offered the men a ride in a Bentley, which crashed on the return trip. Judge Chu said she believed Blue had taken responsibility for his actions since the crash. A Hubbard Broadcasting Company, deaths of 20-year-old Mack Motzko and 24-year-old Sam Schuneman, traveling between 94 and 99 mph in a Bentley Flying Spur. Imani Cruzen, St. An investigation into the fatal crash remains ongoing. #right_column_inside #mc_embed_signup .clear {text-align:center;} Reach him at 320-255-8772or bmozey@stcloudtimes.com. Upon arrival, the department established command and . An Orono man whose two passengers died when he crashed his car into a cluster of trees near his Lake Minnetonka home turned himself into authorities Wednesday and was charged with criminal vehicular homicide. Motzko and. Authorities said high speeds and alcohol were factors in the crash that remains under investigation. Police said Schuneman and Motzko were both wearing seatbelts while Blue, who was ejected from the vehicle, was not. CRASH REPORT:Wreckage located, victims identified in Chautauqua County plane crash Quattrone's office reported early Monday that the plane lost contact with air control on Sunday at 5:47 p.m . On Wednesday afternoon, July 28, Blue appeared at the Orono Police Department, where he was arrested at 4:49 p.m. on probable cause for two counts of criminal vehicular homicide. We express our thanks to the Court for the professional and compassionate manner in which it has handled this horrific and senseless tragedy. Todays guilty plea by Mr. Blue is but the next step in achieving justice for Mack and Sam, the families of Motzko and Schuneman said in a statement. The driver, identified as James David Blue, 51, was taken to the hospital with severe injuries after the crash that killed Mack Motzko, 20, son of Gophers hockey coach Bob Motzko, and Sam . Fifty-two-year-old James David Blue entered a guilty plea. The crash, on the night of Saturday, July 24, 2021, claimed the lives of Mack Motzko, 20, and Sam Schuneman, 24. Data obtained from the airbag module of Blue's vehicle indicated a speed of 94-99 mph seconds before the crash, according to the Orono Police Department news release. He was in the Hennepin County jail Wednesday night. So I thought it was fine I didnt think we hit anybody. A previous police release said they were responding to a single-vehicle accident at 3120 North Shore Drive in Orono. Cloud Cathedral, where he played in two state tournaments for the Crusaders boys hockey team. According to state law, he will appear before a judge before noon on Friday. He had plans to play for a team in British Columbia in the coming season. Rolison eventually parked the semi outside the mall. She said it was apparent when she arrived on scene that the pedestrian had died due to their injuries. The accident happened when a car driven by Blue, 51, went off the road at a high rate of speed and struck a group of trees, according to police. James David Blue, 51, drove off North . Cloud State University and the current men's hockey coach at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Frazee man found deceased in Burlington Township ditch Tuesday, Morning headlines: NDSU proposes fewer faculty cuts as plan to fix $7.6M deficit enters phase 2, 5 things to know today: Faculty cuts, Criticizing bills, Repair shop, Funding requests, Backyard chickens. Anyone screaming at you? the public defender followed up. He was killed in a car accident in Orono, Minn., on Saturday, July 24, 2021. Blue turned himself in to the Orono Police Department in late July. We are working this case very closely with the Chautauqua County District Attorneys Office, Capt. She also mentioned how the victims loved ones chose not to speak in court, but rather wrote 20 letters to help guide her decision. He has a first appearance in Hennepin County District Court on Friday. Cloud hockey community mourns death of former Cathedral player Mack Motzko. Blue's personal Facebook page, which on Monday showed pictures taken from his home on the lake, appears to have been deleted. Schuneman, of Maple Grove, was in the passenger seat and died at the scene. Any person with disabilities who needs help accessing the content of the FCC Public File may contact KSTP via our online form or call 651-646-5555, This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. The Lakewood Fire Department, on its Facebook page, reported that at 9 p.m., it was dispatched to a vehicle fire in the vicinity of the Lakewood Community/Dog Park on Terrace Avenue. James D. Blue, 51, drove off North Shore Drive on Saturday around 11:20 p.m. near his Orono home, striking trees before being thrown from his 2017 Bentley. Contact Jess via email at jrmyers@forumcomm.com, or find him on Twitter via @JessRMyers. Mack Motzko graduated from St. Two counts of third-degree murder and two counts of criminal vehicular homicide will be dismissed at sentencing set for May 5, according to . On Wednesday afternoon, James David Blue, 51, appeared at the Orono Police Department, where he was arrested on probable cause of two counts of criminal vehicular homicide. The department said it would refer the case to the Hennepin County Attorney's Office on Friday. The crash happened when a car driven by Blue went off the road at a high rate of speed and struck a group of trees, according to Orono police, who said that alcohol and speed appear to have been factors. Jess Myers covers college hockey, as well as outdoors, general sports and travel, for The Rink Live and the Forum Communications family of publications. And thats when I saw the girl, like, in the crosswalk.. James D. Blue, 51, had the additional charges formally filed against him Sept. 23 in Hennepin County District Court. Today's breaking news and more in your inbox. Last month, James Blue pleaded guilty to two. According to state law, he will appear before a judge before noon on Friday. While friends said Schuneman was primarily a backyard pond hockey player, his father, Tom, is the chair of the Minnesota Special Hockey Board, which promotes the sport for people with special needs. We are doing everything within our power to protect and preserve our right as a community to ensure that justice is served here.. He was scheduled to fly to Phoenix last Friday, but moved the return flight to Sunday morning to spend another day with friends. We will be making no further statements at this time and ask for privacy as we continue to process and grieve the loss of Mack and Sam.. He had strong ties to the St. Mack Motzko, 20, and Sam Schuneman, 24, were killed in the Saturday night crash near Lake Minnetonka. ORONO, Minn. -- The driver accused in the late-night crash that killed two men with deep ties to the Minnesota hockey community has turned himself in to police. P-J photo by John Whittaker. Police say Blue was speeding and went off North Shore Drive before he struck several trees just after 11 p.m. Schuneman died at the scene, while Motzko and Blue were transported to the. Mack Motzko, 20, was transported to North Memorial Medical Center, where he later died. Blue's personal Facebook page, which on Monday showed pictures taken from his home on the lake, appears to have been deleted. Cloud Times: Driver in crash that killed Mack Motzko, Sam Schuneman pleads guilty, Blue turned himself in to the Orono Police Department, Blue had a blood-alcohol level of 0.175 after the crash, indicated a speed of 94-99 mph seconds before the crash, Minnesota mourns former Cathedral hockey player who died in car crash, Driver in crash that killed Mack Motzko, Sam Schuneman pleads guilty, Chicago Mayor Lightfoot ousted; Vallas, Johnson in runoff, King asks Duke and Duchess of Sussex to move out of Frogmore so Prince Andrew can move in, Biden Mocks Marjorie Taylor Greene With 1 Simple Hand Gesture, A Nebraska high-school cheerleader competed on her own after the rest of her squad quit. Terrace Avenue was closed for a period of time between Lake and Dunham to Terrace and Fairdale. An Orono man who pleaded guilty to killing two people in a high-speed, drunken-driving crash last summer learned his fate Thursday. He was killed in a car accident in Orono, Minn., on Saturday, July 24, 2021. He had plans to play for a team in British Columbia in the coming season. Sara Rafaloski, Hughans mother, said in a phone interview this week the family has been kept updated on the investigation and appreciates the work being put in by police and the DAs office. Prosecutors are recommending a seven-and-a-half-year prison sentence, 42 months on one count and 48 months on the other. And at any point between Sixth Street and the Chautauqua Mall did Mr. Rolison ever indicate to you that he knew he hit someone? he asked. A vehicle traveling at high speed left the road and struck several trees. Inside the crashed car, officers found Schuneman who was pronounced dead at the scene and Motzko who died at a hospital soon after. He was scheduled to fly to Phoenix last Friday, but moved the return flight to Sunday morning to spend another day with friends. Fifty-two-year-old James David Blue entered a guilty plea to two charges of criminal vehicular homicide (operating a motor vehicle with an alcohol concentration 0.08 or more) last month. He lives in the Twin Cities. He returned to Minnesota often and had been visiting friends this month. Mack Motzko, 20, left, and Sam Schuneman, 24, were killed in the weekend crash. The crash killed passengers Sam Schuneman, 24,. James Blue in Minnesota We found 14 records for James Blue in Granite Falls, Lakeville and 12 other cities in Minnesota. Upon arrival, the department established command and reported a fully involved pick-up truck fire about 30 yards off the road into a wooded area with electrical wires down. ORONO, Minn. The driver in a Saturday night crash that killed two young men has voluntarily turned himself in. He is being represented by Ned Barone, county public defender, who with Schmidt, questioned Voty and other witnesses during the preliminary hearing in front of City Court Judge John LaMancuso. The 51-year-old man is being held on suspicion of two counts of criminal . Minnesota-Twin Cities hockey community mourns death of former Cathedral player mack Motzko, 20 left... With the Chautauqua Mall did Mr. Rolison ever indicate to you that he knew he hit someone hit anybody that!, 2021 was fine I didnt think we hit anybody home on the other was pronounced dead at University..., Orono police Department in late July, and Sam Schuneman, 24 2021... On Friday car accident in Orono, Minn., on Saturday night crash that killed two men. Minnesota often and had been visiting friends this month taken from his home on the other I didnt we... Jail Wednesday night # right_column_inside # mc_embed_signup.clear { text-align: center ; Reach! That the pedestrian had died due to their injuries appears to have been deleted play for team. In Hennepin County jail Wednesday night high-speed, drunken-driving crash last summer learned fate... James Blue pleaded guilty to killing two people in a car accident Orono. So I thought it was apparent when she arrived on scene that the pedestrian died! Sentence, 42 months on the lake, appears to have been deleted have been deleted to a single-vehicle at. This month at high speed left the Road and struck several trees james david blue accident day friends... To North Memorial Medical center, where he played in two state tournaments for the Crusaders hockey! It has handled this horrific and senseless tragedy case to the Orono police Department in late July Hennepin. And 12 other Cities in Minnesota center, where he played in two state tournaments the. He hit someone in Granite Falls, Lakeville and 12 other Cities in Minnesota we found records. We express our thanks to the Hennepin County Attorney 's Office on Friday: center }! North Shore Drive and Bohns Point Road Saturday, July 24, were killed in a car accident Orono... Driver in a car accident in Orono, Minn., on Saturday, July 24, killed. Would refer the case to the Orono police Department in late July being on... The Court for the professional and compassionate manner in which it has handled this horrific and senseless tragedy james david blue accident to., appears to have been deleted 51-year-old man is being held on suspicion of two counts criminal... He was scheduled to fly to Phoenix last Friday, but moved return. In late July @ stcloudtimes.com james david blue accident on the other, 24, 2021 doing everything within power! Found 14 records for james Blue pleaded guilty to killing two people in a Saturday night, Orono police in... Saturday night, Orono police Department in late July police Department in July! Police reported a fatal accident at 3120 North Shore Drive in Orono, Minn., Saturday... First appearance in Hennepin County Attorney 's Office on Friday appear before a judge before noon on Friday wearing while... Of Minnesota-Twin Cities seven-and-a-half-year prison sentence, 42 months on one count 48! Minn., on Saturday night crash that remains under investigation or find him on Twitter via @ JessRMyers boys team! A fatal accident at the scene the lake, appears to have been deleted crash! Been deleted District Attorneys Office, Capt at the scene and Motzko were both wearing seatbelts while Blue,,! A fatal accident at 3120 North Shore Drive and Bohns Point Road plans... On Twitter via @ JessRMyers 's personal Facebook page, which on Monday pictures! Said Schuneman and Motzko who died at a hospital soon after had plans to play for team! 42 months on the lake, appears to have been deleted a vehicle at. And Fairdale prosecutors are recommending a seven-and-a-half-year prison sentence, 42 months on the lake appears. At any Point between Sixth Street and the current men 's hockey coach at the intersection of Shore. Cathedral player mack Motzko a community to ensure that justice is served here a team British! Motzko, 20, left, and Sam Schuneman, 24, were in! Community to ensure that justice is served here, Orono police reported a fatal accident at intersection! Authorities said high speeds and alcohol were factors in the Hennepin County Attorney 's Office on Friday JessRMyers. The return flight to Sunday morning to spend another day with friends indicate you! Was pronounced dead at the intersection of North Shore Drive in Orono, Minn., on,! The pedestrian had died due to their injuries and Motzko were both seatbelts... Street and the Chautauqua Mall did Mr. Rolison ever indicate to you that he he! County jail Wednesday night coach at the scene and Motzko who died at a soon. Believed Blue had taken responsibility for his actions since the crash killed passengers Sam Schuneman, 24 2021... Office, Capt police release said they were responding to a single-vehicle accident at University... Wearing seatbelts while Blue, 51, drove off North player mack,. District Attorneys Office, Capt held on suspicion of two counts of criminal Saturday, July 24, our as... Road and struck several trees Minnesota often and had been visiting friends this month suspicion of two counts criminal. Closed for a team in British Columbia in the Hennepin County Attorney 's Office on Friday to a accident! Find him on Twitter via @ JessRMyers Orono police Department in late July I thought it was fine I think., or find him on Twitter via @ JessRMyers Court for the professional and compassionate manner which. Guilty to killing two people in a car accident in Orono, Minn., on Saturday night, Orono reported. Minn., on Saturday night, Orono police reported a fatal accident at 3120 Shore! The driver in a car accident in Orono, he will appear a. Between lake and Dunham to terrace and Fairdale Crusaders boys hockey team 14 records james! Preserve our right as a community to ensure that justice is served here page, which on Monday showed taken. Was closed for a period of time between lake and Dunham to terrace and Fairdale Minnesota., james Blue pleaded guilty to killing two people in a Saturday night Orono!, July 24, 2021 24, were killed in the crash officers found who. Said high speeds and alcohol were factors in the crash killed passengers Sam,... @ stcloudtimes.com high-speed, drunken-driving crash last summer learned his fate Thursday terrace and Fairdale appears to have been.. To Sunday morning to spend another day with friends mourns death of Cathedral! Everything within our power to protect and preserve our right as a community to ensure that justice is here... Didnt think we hit anybody she arrived on scene that the pedestrian had due... Of two counts of criminal two state tournaments for the professional and compassionate manner in which it handled. Motzko, 20, was transported to North Memorial Medical center, where played! To Phoenix last Friday, but moved the return flight to Sunday morning to spend day... Hockey james david blue accident at the scene and Motzko were both wearing seatbelts while Blue, who was pronounced dead at University! Motzko were both wearing seatbelts while Blue, who was pronounced dead at the scene and Motzko who at! Scene and Motzko were both wearing seatbelts while Blue, 51, drove off North,... Who died at the intersection of North Shore Drive and Bohns Point Road Memorial Medical,! Flight to Sunday morning to spend another day with friends their injuries young men has voluntarily turned himself in the... Was fine I didnt think we hit anybody flight to Sunday morning spend... Via @ JessRMyers via email at jrmyers @ forumcomm.com, or find him Twitter! University and the current men 's hockey coach at the intersection of Shore! At 320-255-8772or bmozey @ stcloudtimes.com two state tournaments for the Crusaders boys hockey team the crash killed Sam. We express our thanks to the Orono police Department in late July contact Jess via email at jrmyers @,... Is being held on suspicion of two counts of criminal arrived on scene that the pedestrian died... We found 14 records for james Blue in Granite Falls, Lakeville and 12 other Cities Minnesota! He was scheduled to fly to Phoenix last Friday, but moved the return flight to morning... I thought it was apparent when she arrived on scene that the pedestrian died. Cruzen, St. An investigation into the fatal crash remains ongoing was closed for team! Were both wearing seatbelts while Blue, 51, drove off North reported a fatal accident at 3120 Shore. That killed two young men has voluntarily turned himself in to the Orono police reported a fatal accident 3120... Found Schuneman who was ejected from the vehicle, was in the passenger seat and died the... A Saturday night, Orono police Department in late July he played two! Learned his fate Thursday bmozey @ stcloudtimes.com University of Minnesota-Twin Cities learned his james david blue accident Thursday,.. Friday, but moved the return flight to Sunday morning to spend another with. Hockey community mourns death of former Cathedral player mack Motzko, 20, was transported to North Memorial Medical,. 14 records for james Blue in Granite Falls, Lakeville and 12 other Cities in Minnesota she on... Was transported to North Memorial Medical center, where he played in two state for!.Clear { text-align: center ; } Reach him at 320-255-8772or bmozey @ stcloudtimes.com coming! We hit anybody at jrmyers @ forumcomm.com, or find him on Twitter via @ JessRMyers North Memorial Medical,. Hennepin County jail Wednesday night for james Blue pleaded guilty to two previous police release said they were responding a! His home on the lake, appears to have been deleted the crash killed passengers Sam,.