The community of South St. Paul and the campus of St. Olaf College are reeling from the devastating news of the death of Matthew Lee, a 21-year-old student-athlete whose life was tragically cut short in a shooting early Friday morning.
According to the South St. Paul Police Department, officers responded to a home on the 300 block of 2nd Avenue South at approximately 3:45 a.m. after reports of gunfire. At the scene, authorities found two adult men. One of them—later identified as Matthew—was pronounced dead, while the second was transported to the hospital for treatment. Within two hours, police located and arrested the suspect, though the investigation into what led to the shooting remains ongoing.
The shocking news quickly spread to the St. Olaf College community, where Matthew was enrolled as a junior and played as a linebacker on the Oles football team. School officials issued an email to students confirming his death and announcing a candlelight vigil scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Friday at Boe Chapel. The message encouraged the community to come together in grief and resilience: “We encourage each member of this community to lead with kindness and look after each other.”
Matthew’s death has left an enormous void in both his college and hometown communities. A graduate of South Saint Paul High School, he was remembered as a proud alumnus who excelled academically and athletically. His former teachers and coaches describe him as a hardworking young man with natural leadership qualities, a positive attitude, and a dedication that inspired his peers.
On the football field, Matthew was known not only for his physical talent but also for his passion for teamwork and his drive to give everything for his team. His coaches and teammates recall his discipline, focus, and infectious spirit—characteristics that made him a respected presence on and off the field.
Off the field, Matthew was equally remarkable. Friends describe him as someone with a kind heart and an unwavering love for his family and friends. He carried a sense of humility and generosity that drew people to him. Whether through small acts of kindness or through his ability to bring laughter during difficult times, Matthew’s presence had a way of lifting others up.
The senselessness of his death has sparked an outpouring of grief and remembrance. A GoFundMe campaign created to support Matthew’s family highlights the deep love he shared with those around him: “Matthew Lee’s life was tragically cut short due to gun violence—an unimaginable loss for all who knew and loved him. A proud graduate of South Saint Paul High School and a dedicated student-athlete at St. Olaf College, Matthew had a bright future ahead of him. His passion for football was only matched by his kind heart and unwavering love for his family and friends.”
As investigators continue to determine what led to the shooting, the community is left grappling with the weight of a promising young life taken far too soon. For his family, the loss is immeasurable—their son, brother, and loved one now gone. For his teammates and classmates, the grief is equally profound, as they mourn a friend who embodied loyalty, compassion, and resilience.
The candlelight vigil at Boe Chapel will allow students, faculty, friends, and neighbors to gather in remembrance, share stories, and honor Matthew’s legacy. Through prayer, reflection, and solidarity, they will celebrate his life while supporting one another in the face of heartbreaking loss.
Matthew Lee’s story is one of potential, dedication, and love—a life filled with promise, extinguished by senseless violence. Though his time on earth was far too short, his memory will continue to live on in the hearts of his family, friends, teammates, and all those who were fortunate enough to know him.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact the South St. Paul Police Department at 651-413-8300 or via email at tips@sspmn.org.
