Nerf Wars considered in crash that killed 2 Lakeville students

LAKEVILLE, Minn. (KMSP) - The Dakota County sheriff’s office says the cause of Friday's crash that killed 2 Lakeville South High School students and injured 2 others remains under investigation, but a game of “Nerf Wars” is being examined as a possible distraction.

The single-car crash happened near the intersection of 205th St and Dodd Road around 2:30 p.m. Friday. The Hennepin County medical examiner’s office identified the students killed in the crash as 17-year-old Jacob Flynn and 18-year-old John Price. Flynn and Price were pronounced dead at the scene, while the other 2 were transported to Hennepin County Medical Center with injuries. The driver, 17-year-old Alexander Hughes, was in critical condition Sunday. Mason Kohlbeck, 18, has been treated and released.

Dr. Lisa Snyder, superintendent of Lakeville Area Public Schools, said Nerf Wars are not commonly played at the district’s schools, but the game is now on their radar.

The Dakota County sheriff’s office is the lead investigator of Friday’s crash. No additional information will be released until after the funerals for Flynn and Price. Investigators are currently examining the truck involved in the crash and trying to determine its speed at the time of the accident.

#LakevilleStrong

"We may have two high schools, but we are one Lakeville,” the school district said in a statement Friday. “We will be providing support and counselors for students and staff as long as needed."

#LakevilleStrong is being placed on all school buses to show continued support for the students.