Authorities have identified the victim of Friday morning’s fatal shooting as Matt Lee, a 20-year-old St. Olaf College football player and junior economics major.
Matt Lee obituary news
The shooting occurred around 3:45 a.m. on September 12, 2025, at a residence in the 300 block of 2nd Avenue South. Police confirmed that Lee was pronounced dead at the scene, while another male victim was critically injured and transported to the hospital.
The suspect, a 19-year-old man from St. Paul, fled the scene, triggering a shelter-in-place order in the area. He was later arrested without incident at approximately 5:45 a.m.
St. Olaf College released a statement mourning Lee’s death, highlighting his role as a linebacker on the football team and his impact within the campus community. “The entire St. Olaf community is grieving the death of student-athlete Matt Lee, who passed away early Friday morning,” the college said.
A campus gathering led by the College Ministry was scheduled Friday evening at Boe Memorial Chapel, offering students and staff an opportunity to come together in remembrance.
The investigation into the motive and circumstances surrounding the shooting remains ongoing. Authorities have not yet disclosed potential charges against the suspect.
Lee’s death has left both the St. Olaf and South St. Paul communities in shock, as friends, teammates, and classmates remember him as a dedicated athlete, student, and friend.
