Mikayla McCarvel, a senior forward on the Shakopee Sabers girls hockey team, died on Tuesday night at HCMC from the injuries she sustained in a car crash on Dec. 26, 2023. She was a passenger in a vehicle that collided with another vehicle in her hometown of Shakopee. Her teammate, Lily Schuetz, was also involved in the crash and survived.
McCarvel’s father, Dan McCarvel, announced her death on the CaringBridge website, where he had been updating her condition since the accident. He wrote that his daughter was “selfless above all” and that she was able to donate her organs to other families in need.
The community’s response
The news of Mikayla McCarvel’s death shocked and saddened the Shakopee community, especially her friends, classmates, and teammates. The Shakopee Public Schools district posted a message on Facebook expressing their condolences and offering support to the school community. The Shakopee High School hockey team also posted a tribute to Mikayla McCarvel on Twitter, calling her their “teammate” and asking for prayers for her family and friends.
Mikayla McCarvel was remembered as a talented, hardworking, and kind-hearted student-athlete who had a bright future ahead of her. She had a passion for hockey and was a leader on and off the ice. She was also involved in other activities, such as choir, band, and theater. She had plans to attend the University of Minnesota-Duluth after graduation and pursue a career in nursing.
The call for action
The tragic incident involving Mikayla McCarvel has also raised awareness about the dangers of car crashes and the importance of road safety. According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, there were 364 traffic fatalities in the state in 2023, an increase of 8% from 2022. The leading causes of fatal crashes were speeding, impaired driving, and distracted driving.
The Shakopee community has urged drivers to be more careful and responsible on the road, especially during the winter season when the roads are icy and slippery. They have also encouraged people to wear seat belts, avoid texting and driving, and follow the speed limits. They have also called for more enforcement and education to prevent such tragedies from happening again.
The Shakopee community has also shown their support for organ donation, following McCarvel’s example of generosity and compassion. They have praised her for saving the lives of others through her organ donation and have encouraged others to register as organ donors. They have also expressed their gratitude to the medical staff who cared for McCarvel and the other victims of the crash.
The Shakopee community has lost a beloved member, but they have also gained a source of inspiration and hope. McCarvel’s legacy will live on through her family, friends, teammates, and the people she helped through her organ donation. She will always be remembered as a hockey star, a student leader, and a selfless angel.