On way back from ski trip, Duluth college student dies in crash that injured two classmates

Andrew “Drew” Bjork, 24, of Hudson, Wis., was killed in the crash, the Sheriff’s Office said.

The Minnesota Star Tribune
January 27, 2026 at 9:14PM
Andrew “Drew” Bjork, 24, of Hudson, Wis. (Provided by Catie Carlton)

A multivehicle crash in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula left one Duluth college student dead and two of his classmates injured, officials said.

The crash occurred in Ontonagon County on Jan. 19 along Hwy. 45 in Stannard Township, the Sheriff’s Office said. Officials have yet to release further details about the wreck.

Andrew “Drew” Bjork, 24, of Hudson, Wis., was killed in the crash, the Sheriff’s Office said.

All three were second-year students in the College of St. Scholastica’s doctorate of physical therapy program, the school announced.

The school said the driver, Gavin Blauch, 23, of Ely, Minn., and passenger Alexander Miller, 26, of Bloomington, survived their injuries.

“Drew was filled with joy, passion, and positivity, and may he rest in peace,” the announcement read.

A classmate of the three who started an online fundraiser to help with Miller’s and Blauch’s medical expenses, said the crash occurred as the men were returning to Minnesota from a ski trip at the very top of the Upper Peninsula at Mount Bohemia.

“Drew will be missed dearly,” Catie Carlson wrote. “He was an amazing and supportive friend who was loved by all.”

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Paul Walsh

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Paul Walsh is a general assignment reporter at the Minnesota Star Tribune. He wants your news tips, especially in and near Minnesota.

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