ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – Authorities released the identity of Century High School student killed in a crash.
The Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) has identified the victim as Davin Tukua, 16, of Rochester. He was a student at Century High School.
Just before 2:30 p.m. on October 7, OCSO received a call of a multiple-vehicle accident near the intersection of Broadway Ave. North and Woodridge Ln. NE in Cascade Township.
Authorities said there were three vehicles involved.
Deputies believe Tukua was driving southbound on Broadway Avenue when his car crossed the center line and hit a northbound vehicle. That car then hit a third vehicle also traveling north.
Upon arrival, witnesses told deputies there was a person, later identified as Tukua, stuck inside one of the vehicles. Authorities were able to get him out and started performing life-saving measures but were unable to revive him.
The second driver, a 64-year-old man from Wabasha, suffered minor injuries and the third driver, a 32-year-old Rochester man, did not report any injuries.
Olmsted County’s Forensic Mapping Unit arrived and mapped out the scene, but that information is not yet available.
There will be an autopsy performed later.
Dear Parents, Caregivers, Staff, and Century High School Students,
Earlier today, law enforcement released the name of the Century High School student who died in a tragic car accident on Saturday, October 7th. As a result, we are now able to send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Davin Tukua. I did not have the opportunity to meet or get to know Davin, but over the past two days, I have heard from teachers, coaches, students, and others that he was a wonderful young man. He was unfailingly kind and always ready to help complete a project or assist someone in need. He was a talented athlete who was a valued member of the football and swim teams at Century High School. I have heard from his coaches that he was a hard worker who always came ready to play, never complained, and would play any position or swim any stroke that would help his team compete and win. He also loved skiing and snowboarding and I’m told he was really good at both. I know that all members of the Rochester Public Schools community send our deepest sympathies to Davin’s family and friends during this difficult time. We cannot understand or even imagine what you are thinking and feeling right now, but we want you to know that Davin’s tragic loss has broken a part of our hearts as well. We will keep you in our thoughts during the time of grief, remembering, and transition that lies ahead.
Sincerely,
Kent Pekel
Superintendent
An email was sent to families about the death Saturday. Superintendent Kent Pekel said he is not able to share additional details at this time, and they considered canceling the homecoming dance, but given the time they were notified of the student’s death, it was not a viable option.
Pekel stated grief counselors are available for students who need support during this difficult time.
The entire email can be found below:
Dear Rochester Public Schools Parents, Guardians, and Staff,
Earlier this evening we learned of a Century High School student who died in a car accident late this afternoon. We are unable to provide more information at this time.
In light of this tragic loss, we considered canceling the homecoming dance at Century High School this evening, but given the time at which we found out about the student’s death, canceling the dance was not a viable option. In addition, we decided to go forward with the dance because that gives us the opportunity to provide students with support and the chance to be together at what may be a difficult time for some students. Century counseling and social work staff have joined us at the school tonight and will provide support to students as needed.
We are thinking of the family and friends of the Century student who lost their life this evening, and we will provide additional information and assistance in the days ahead.
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