Blake Unger Bluffton NY Car Accident, Death – On the night of Tuesday, May 27, 2025, a devastating car accident in western Minnesota claimed the life of 18-year-old Blake Unger from Bluffton, NY. The fatal crash took place near the rural intersection of 370th Street and 640th Avenue, approximately five miles north of Wadena, at 10:45 p.m. The Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office reported that Unger was a passenger in a pickup truck driven by 18-year-old Izak Schermerhorn from New York Mills, MN.
The vehicle veered off the road and ended up on its side in a ditch, ejecting Blake Unger from the truck. Despite the arrival of emergency responders, Unger was pronounced dead at the scene. His body was found near the wreckage, leaving behind a grieving family and community. Schermerhorn, the driver, was arrested at the crash site on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and underage drinking. The Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Schermerhorn now faces a felony charge of criminal vehicular homicide, though the investigation is ongoing, with authorities awaiting toxicology results and reconstructing the events of that tragic night.
Blake Unger had recently graduated from New York Mills High School just days before the crash. Known for his vibrant personality, athletic prowess, and leadership skills, he was a beloved figure at school. Blake played multiple sports, including football, wrestling, and baseball, and was crowned homecoming king in the fall of the previous year, a testament to his wide-ranging impact on his peers. His sudden and untimely death has sent shockwaves through the New York Mills community, which is still reeling from the tragedy.
Superintendent Adam Johnson addressed the grief-stricken community on the final day of school, offering his condolences to both students and faculty. “It is with a great deal of sadness that I share this message with you… that a member of our school community has passed away in a motor vehicle accident,” Johnson said. The school district has responded by providing grief counselors and crisis teams to help students, teachers, and staff cope with the loss.
Blake’s friends, family, and classmates have expressed their sorrow and fond memories of the young man. “He had such a bright future ahead of him,” said one of Blake’s classmates. “He was always smiling, always cheering everyone on, and he truly loved being a part of this school and community.” The deep affection for Blake is reflected in the ongoing memorials and vigils organized by the community to honor his life.
While the mourning continues, the legal case against Izak Schermerhorn is expected to draw attention in the coming months. Many local residents are urging young drivers to heed the warning of this tragedy and make better decisions behind the wheel, especially when it comes to the dangers of impaired driving. The consequences of Schermerhorn’s alleged actions could alter the course of his life forever, as he faces the possibility of severe legal repercussions, including jail time and the lasting weight of criminal charges.
Despite the heavy circumstances surrounding his passing, Blake Unger will not be remembered solely for the way his life ended. Instead, he will be cherished for the remarkable young man he was—a leader on the field, a loyal friend, and a beloved son. His absence will leave an indelible mark on the New York Mills community, but his memory will continue to inspire and uplift all those who had the privilege of knowing him.
This tragic event serves as a sobering reminder of the real risks of impaired driving and the far-reaching consequences of such reckless behavior.