ORONO, Minn — In a tight-knit town where pain reverberates, candles now light the way to the Knudson home—the same house 17-year-old Luke Knudson came home to every day.

The Orono High School senior died Sunday night after crashing into a traffic light off a Minnetonka highway. His vehicle burst into flames. Flowers and a letter of support for his family now sit at the same intersection.

Loved ones remember Luke as someone full of life and love.

“I think anybody that met Luke, the first thing [they’d] say is he was really full of energy,” his mother Renae Rhude-Knudson said on Tuesday. “He cared about other people.”

In some ways, Luke was an ordinary kid. “He loved dogs, he loved going to the cabin.” In other ways, Rhude-Knudson said her son was extraordinary. “He was just really, really kindhearted, really funny, really witty and really was happy for other people when good things happened to them.”

Funny, smart and compassionate, Rhude-Knudson said Luke was devoted to his family, friends and basketball. He was looking forward to his final high school basketball season alongside his best friends.

“We love Lucas with our whole heart, and he loved us back and he’s going to be dearly missed,” Orono High School head basketball coach Barry Wohler said. 

Wohler emphasized that this season will be dedicated to Luke. The first team practice is planned for Tuesday after being canceled Monday afternoon. 

“Yesterday was a really tough day,” Wohler added. “I was just meeting with some of the players now, and it’s been a tough day again today. A lot of tears.”

Wohler said he and the players are trying to heal together and be strong for one another. Rhude-Knudson said it’s what her son would want them and others to do. 

“Just like I told the boys last night: everybody’s going to be sad, and the sadness is going to come in waves. Just make sure that you keep going,” she said. “He’d want you to keep going.”

Rhude-Knudson said a family trip to Kenya and subsequent leadership class project inspired Luke to connect with the nonprofit the Samburu Project, which builds hand-pump wells for people in Samburu who do not have access to clean water. She said Luke was working on the project the night he passed away. His family plans to continue his work with the organization and make a difference in Luke’s honor.

ARDEN HILLS, Minn. — Authorities are searching for a woman who was reported missing Tuesday. 

According to the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, Roberta went missing at about 11 a.m. from a senior living facility on Pine Tree Drive in Arden Hills. 

Roberta is described as 5’1, 125 pounds, and was wearing a red and black plaid nightshirt. Officials said she has a walker and a tan purse is attached to it. 

Anyone who knows where she is is encouraged to call (65) 266-7331.

MINNEAPOLIS — You’ve heard of a wolf in sheep’s clothing — but how about a wolf in winter clothing?

Enter: Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels.

This week, McDaniels launched his first-ever Winter Essentials Drive initiative, aiming to collect cold-weather gear for families in need living in the Twin Cities metro. 

The campaign comes in partnership with Hy-Vee and Be the Change MN, a Minneapolis-based nonprofit that “works to connect underserved children, teens and families with quality resources, curated experiences and equitable access to community support systems.”

“We have a special community here in Minnesota and I’m happy to help support those in need,” McDaniels said in a statement.

Organizers hope to collect donated essential winter items like hats, gloves, mittens, snow pants, coats, boots and scarves, which will be delivered to Be the Change in December. A statement from Be the Change said McDaniels will also donate $10,000 to the organization to help purchase additional items and connect families with crucial resources.

The drive began Monday, Nov. 18 and runs through Friday, Dec. 6. Donated items can be dropped off at any Twin Cities Hy-Vee location.

The nonprofit will follow Daniels’ drive with its Winter Wonderland event at the Mall of America, which takes place from 8 a.m. to noon on Sunday, Dec. 8. Be the Change hopes to “bring joy and support” to 850 elementary school children and their families during the holiday season by hosting a day of celebration, free from “all financial barriers.”

The initiative will also incorporate the organization’s Kicks and Coats for Kids campaign, providing each of those students with “a quality winter coat and pair of tennis shoes.” 

“Together, through initiatives like the Kicks and Coats for Kids campaign and events like Winter Wonderland, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of underserved families,” said an event spokesperson.

For more information about Jaden’s Winter Essentials Drive, click here.

To learn more about Be the Change and its schedule of events, visit the organization’s website here.