Tate William Lehnen Obituary: Central Minnesota Mourns Loss of 23-Year-Old Man After Tragic Crash Into Horseshoe Lake
Rice, Minn. — A heartbreaking tragedy has struck the central Minnesota community following the untimely death of Tate William Lehnen, 23, of Rice, who lost his life Thursday evening after his vehicle crashed into Horseshoe Lake near the town of Richmond.
According to the Stearns County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched around 8:30 p.m. after a distressing 911 call was placed by a watercraft operator on the lake. The caller reported seeing a submerged vehicle with an occupant still inside. Responding officers from the Sheriff’s Office and Richmond Police Department quickly arrived at the scene, where concerned citizens were already working to pull the young man from the car.
Despite their heroic efforts and immediate life-saving attempts by first responders, Tate William Lehnen was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.
Preliminary investigations indicate that Lehnen had been driving along a lakeside road when he apparently overcorrected during a left-hand curve. The vehicle veered across the opposite lane of traffic before plunging down a steep embankment into the lake. Officials believe this was a devastating accident and are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Remembering Tate
The news of Tate’s passing has shaken his family, friends, and the broader community. Described by those who knew him as a kind-hearted, spirited young man with a warm smile and a generous soul, Tate was the type of person who left a lasting impression wherever he went. Whether it was through his friendships, his family bonds, or everyday interactions, he was known for his sincerity and quiet strength.
Born and raised in Rice, Minnesota, Tate grew up enjoying the simple pleasures of small-town life. He had a deep appreciation for the outdoors—especially the lakes and woods of central Minnesota—and often spent his time fishing, boating, or hiking with friends and family. Horseshoe Lake, the site of this tragedy, was a familiar and cherished spot for him.
Tate was a graduate of Sauk Rapids-Rice High School, where he was known for his easygoing nature and strong work ethic. He was admired by his peers and respected by his teachers. More recently, he had begun to carve out his path as a young adult, working diligently and making plans for the future. Friends say he was someone you could always count on—a steady presence with a calm demeanor and an open heart.
His family is now facing an unimaginable loss, grappling with the pain of saying goodbye far too soon. In a statement, they expressed their immense gratitude for the community’s support and for the bystanders who tried valiantly to save Tate’s life.
“Tate was our son, our brother, our friend,” the family said. “He was thoughtful, adventurous, and always put others before himself. We are heartbroken, but we are thankful for the love and prayers we’ve received from so many.”
A Community in Mourning
The small towns of Rice and Richmond are united in grief as they come to terms with Tate’s tragic passing. In recent days, residents have placed flowers near the lakeshore and shared stories of Tate’s life—his love for family gatherings, his laughter, his helpful nature, and his quiet acts of kindness that meant so much to so many.
Local leaders and community members are also discussing ways to honor Tate’s memory, including the potential for a memorial bench or lakeside marker as a tribute to the life lost on that shoreline.
Moving Forward
As the investigation continues, authorities are reminding drivers to remain vigilant and cautious—especially near lakeside roads, which can be deceptively dangerous under certain conditions. But beyond the official reports and reminders lies the deeper impact of this loss: the memory of a young man who had so much left to give, and a family now learning how to carry his legacy forward.
Tate William Lehnen is survived by his parents, siblings, extended family, and countless friends who will remember him always for his kindness, his gentle spirit, and the light he brought into their lives.
Funeral arrangements are being made and will be announced in the coming days.
Leave a Reply