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Thursday, March 28, 2024

BSM graduate dies during camping trip

Benilde-St. Margaret’s School in St. Louis Park is mourning the death of recent graduate Alec Lawrenz, 18, of Wayzata, who drowned June 11 in the Temperance River while on a camping trip.

Alec Lawrenz. Courtesy Benilde-St. Margaret's
Alec Lawrenz. Courtesy Benilde-St. Margaret’s

“We are heartbroken by this tragic accident,” said BSM Principal Sue Skinner. “As a faith community, we rely on the power of prayer to help us. Our love and prayers go out to Alec’s family, the BSM class of 2016 and the BSM community. Alec was a wonderful young man, full of life, kind and compassionate. We do not have any other details to share and ask that everyone please pray for us during this very difficult time.”

The Cook County Sheriff’s Office had received a 911 call around 6:30 p.m. June 11 that someone had fallen into the gorge at Temperance River State Park, located on Highway 61 on Minnesota’s North Shore alongside Lake Superior. According to the report, the person went through the strong current under a bridge and did not resurface. The sheriff’s office said recovery efforts were hampered by the river current and rising water levels, limited underwater visibility, and debris. Lawrenz’s body was recovered around 1:42 p.m. June 13 and transported to the Cook County North Shore Hospital. The matter is under investigation, but no foul play is suspected.

Lawrenz had been camping with four friends, also BSM students.

At BSM, Lawrenz was involved in alpine skiing, drama and the journalism program. He graduated from BSM on June 3 and was planning to study at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec.

“Alec will be remembered as someone who cared very deeply for his friends,” said Kari Koshiol, English teacher and faculty adviser for BSM’s journalism program. “He was a talented writer who had strong convictions that he shared passionately. I particularly enjoyed his music reviews because his thoughtful and professional tone gave his readers a real sense of the artists.”

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BSM said it is offering support to all students and families as they grieve, particularly through its Student Support Team. The school will continue to offer services as needed.

“He was at his happiest moment in his life,” said his father, Dietrich Lorenz. “It was kind of a spiritual journey, the five of them going camping together.”

Along with his father, he is survived by his mother, Corinne; and brothers Cedric and Adrian. The family attends St. Bartholomew in Wayzata.

A funeral Mass will be 11 a.m. June 20 at St. Bartholomew, 630 E. Wayzata Blvd., Wayzata. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. June 19 at Gearty-Delmore Chapel, 15800 37th Ave. N. at Vicksburg Lane, Plymouth. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the BSM Alec Lawrenz Scholarship Fund.

 


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