April 30, 2025 — In what is being described as one of the most heartbreaking incidents in recent sports history, a devastating traffic collision claimed the lives of 13 people on Monday evening, including two of America’s most celebrated hockey players.
The crash occurred on a rural highway in the northern Midwest, where a team bus carrying athletes and coaching staff collided with a semi-truck in poor weather conditions. Emergency responders arrived at the scene within minutes, but the damage was already catastrophic. Among those killed were Michael “Mick” Lawson and Derrick Cole, both former national team players and widely regarded as legends in American hockey.
A Nation in Mourning
Lawson, 31, was a recent gold medalist and team captain known for his leadership on and off the ice. He had recently retired from international play and was mentoring youth players through a regional development program. Cole, 29, was a two-time All-Star in the national league, admired for his speed, sharp instincts, and relentless drive. The pair had been traveling with a junior hockey team as part of a community outreach and training camp initiative.
Their deaths have sent shockwaves through the sports community and beyond.
“The loss is unimaginable,” said USA Hockey President Rachel Lindholm in a statement. “Michael and Derrick were not only exceptional athletes but extraordinary human beings. They inspired a generation and gave back to the game in every way possible.”
Details of the Collision
According to local authorities, the accident took place around 6:45 PM near Interstate 94, during heavy rain and low visibility. Preliminary investigations suggest the semi-truck jackknifed and veered into oncoming traffic, where it collided with the chartered bus carrying the team. The force of the impact overturned the bus and caused a chain reaction involving two other vehicles.
Of the 13 confirmed fatalities, 10 were passengers on the bus. Several others were rushed to nearby hospitals in critical condition. The driver of the semi-truck also perished in the crash.
“This is one of the worst scenes I’ve ever witnessed in my career,” said Sheriff Tony Maddox of Clay County. “Our hearts go out to the families who received the most devastating news imaginable last night.”
Tributes Pour In
Tributes have flooded in from teammates, fans, and public figures across the country. NHL stars and Olympic athletes posted heartfelt messages on social media, expressing sorrow and disbelief.
“We lost two warriors today,” wrote former teammate Jordan Reaves. “They gave everything to the sport — and to us.”
Memorials have already begun to form outside major hockey arenas in Chicago, Detroit, and Minneapolis, with fans leaving flowers, jerseys, and candles in honor of the fallen players.