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Matthew Lee, a 19-year-old football player at St. Olaf College in Minnesota, was killed in a double-shooting that left another victim wounded on Friday morning.
South St. Paul police have arrested a 19-year-old suspect, but no charges have been filed. The circumstances of the shooting remain unclear and the suspect has not been identified, publicly.
Police arrived at a residence to find two men suffering from injuries related to the shooting. Lee was pronounced dead at the scene, according to multiple reports.
Two hours later, they found a suspect nearby and apprehended them.
The team is now grieving the linebacker described by his coach as a 'big teddy bear.'
'Matthew was just a great kid,' St. Olaf head coach James Kilian told KTSP of Lee, who'd been recovering from a knee injury at the time of the shooting. 'A tragic loss because of the future that he had in front of him and the opportunities that were going to be presented to him.
Lee was still recovering from a knee injury when he was gunned down in South St. Paul
'[He] just had a great, caring personality,' Kilian continued. 'Connected well and obviously that's one of the big reasons why his loss has been felt so deeply.
'It feels like you're losing a child, but I know it pales in comparison to actually losing a child… I know that's what Matthew's mom is dealing with so I would say that my focus and attention has really been thinking about her.'
Lee attended high school in South St. Paul, where Kilian said he was a 'leader… great student, [and] dual-sport athlete.'
He also impressed Kilian by overcoming hardship as a young man.
'I know he had overcome adversity in high school and some tragedy in his own life, but still was able to do everything he needed to do to be successful and to perform at a high level on and off the field,' Kilian said.
As Kilian told KMSP, Lee had immense promise both 'on and off the field.'
'It's just so sad that we're not going to see what could have been,' Kilian said. 'He just came to work every day, and I think he endeared himself to the team.'
Lee grew up in South St. Paul, where he was described as a 'leader' and 'great student'
Lee's locker has been filled with flowers by teammates, many of whom took part in a memorial service for the 19-year-old.
A gofundme.com page has been started to benefit Lee's mother, Jody Clark.
'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,' read the fundraiser summary.
'Matthew did not deserve to die. His life mattered. His dreams mattered. And the love he gave so freely will never be forgotten
'We honor Matthew's memory by carrying forward the love, strength, and hope he shared during his time with us.'
Olaf College is a Division III school best known for its century-old football rivalry with crosstown neighbor Carleton College.
