Homecoming king killed as classmate allegedly drove him drunk to celebrate their graduation: ‘I f–ked up’

The tragic incident involving the death of a high school homecoming king, Blake Unger, has left the community in shock. The young man lost his life in a car crash while out for a late-night drive with his classmate, Izak Schermerhorn, just days after their graduation. Schermerhorn, who was driving under the influence of alcohol, has been charged with vehicular homicide for the fatal accident.
According to reports, Unger was found trapped under Schermerhorn’s pickup truck, with deep ruts in the gravel road indicating reckless driving behavior. Schermerhorn, who had previously battled alcoholism and claimed to be sober for a year, admitted to consuming several alcoholic beverages before the crash. He expressed deep remorse to authorities, acknowledging that he had made a grave mistake.
The young driver’s actions leading up to the crash were described as reckless, with Schermerhorn admitting to intentionally sliding around the road to show off his modified vehicle. Despite his efforts, he lost control of the truck, resulting in the tragic accident that claimed Unger’s life. Schermerhorn has been charged with multiple counts of criminal vehicular homicide, reflecting the severity of his actions.
During a court appearance, Schermerhorn was granted release on bail under strict conditions, including seeking counseling, refraining from alcohol and drug use, and maintaining a clean record. The community has been deeply affected by Unger’s untimely death, as he was a beloved three-sport athlete and the reigning homecoming king at New York Mills High School.
District Superintendent Adam Johnson expressed profound sadness over the loss, emphasizing the devastating impact on the school community. The tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of drunk driving and the irreversible consequences it can have. As the community mourns the loss of a promising young life, efforts to raise awareness about responsible driving and the dangers of alcohol abuse are more important than ever.