FOREST LAKE, Minn. — A 15-year-old boy whose family home burned down last fall is now fighting for his life after being struck by a vehicle on Highway 61 in Forest Lake.
The Minnesota State Patrol says 15-year-old Samuel Farinella suffered "life threatening" injuries while crossing the highway with a group of runners shortly after 3:30 p.m. A second teen, 15-year-old Jase Blanchard, was also injured and is expected to survive, according to state patrol.
A source confirmed that the Farinella family also lost their home in a fire back in September. According to a GoFundMe, the damage was so severe that the home needed to be rebuilt.
Officials with Forest Lake Area High School said Farinella and Blanchard are both members of the Forest Lake track team, which competed at the Minnesota Open High School Spring Invitation at the University of Minnesota on Wednesday.
“The coaches really hope the athletes are OK,” said Gretchen Schwanz, the girl’s head coach at Simley High School. "We’re really glad Forest Lake is here. I know that’s a really hard position to be in, to not have part of your team here.”
While Forest Lake coaches said they couldn’t do an interview, they did say the track community around Minnesota has been reaching out.
“I hope they’re alright,” said Forest Lake resident Tom Yezek. “All we can do is pray for them — for healing, both physically and mentally. It’s very tough what they’ve got to be going through."
Forest Lake Area Schools Superintendent Steve Massey and Forest Lake Area High School Principal Jim Caldwell released a joint statement Wednesday afternoon, saying they've been in contact with both families and that they're in "good spirits."
The full statement reads:
Since yesterday afternoon, we have remained in contact with the families of our two students' who were struck by a car yesterday afternoon. This morning, both students remain at the hospital receiving the best care possible. The families are in good spirits and continue to appreciate the prayers and positive thoughts from our Forest Lake Area High School community.
We will continue to have extra student support available for students who may need assistance in coping with this situation. Should you or your student require assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to any adult in the school building.
We continue to hold these students and their families in our thoughts and our hearts as they begin the process of recovery.
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According to state patrol, Farinella and Blanchard were crossing Highway 61 at a crosswalk near 202nd Street North when they were struck by a vehicle being driven by an 84-year-old man from Lindström, Minnesota. Both Farinella and Blanchard were airlifted and are currently being treated at Regions Hospital. Since both are minors, hospital officials say they can't release their conditions.
The State Patrol continues to investigate but says they don't believe alcohol played a factor. Once the investigation is complete, officials says the case will be forwarded to the county attorney who will then determine if any charges will be filed.
*This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
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