University Community Mourns the Loss of Student Grayson Young
Members of the South Dakota Mines community are deeply saddened by the passing of senior industrial engineering major Grayson Young, who lost his life in a tragic motorcycle accident.
“He was an outstanding person and highly talented student. He will be greatly missed in the Hardrocker community,” says Carter Kerk, Ph.D., Grayson's faculty advisor.
“Our deepest condolences and prayers go out to Grayson's family and friends during this difficult time,” adds Mines President Jim Rankin, Ph.D.
Grayson was set to graduate in December. He was preparing to accept a job offer in his field after two successful internships with the company NUCOR. These included a safety engineering internship in Kankakee, IL in 2019, and a second internship with NUCOR in Kingman, AZ, during the summer of 2020. In addition to his B.S. in Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management degree, he was working toward a minor in Occupational Safety and a Lean Six-Sigma Green Belt Certificate. He earned an A.S. engineering degree from Casper College in May of 2018, and worked as a manager and driver with the Macarthur Company in Casper, Wyo., from 2014-2018. He was an active member of the South Dakota Mines Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE).
Grayson not only excelled as an engineering student, he was a self-taught violist who played regularly at his church, Liberty Baptist Tabernacle. He was active in his church community as a volunteer mentor to teen boys to help them grow in the Christian faith.
There will be a viewing at Kirk Funeral Home at 1051 E. Minnesota Street, from 5-7 p.m., Monday, Nov. 23. Masks and social distancing are strongly encouraged for the service. Cards with remembrances and thoughts of Grayson would be greatly appreciated by family members. They can be delivered to the funeral home or sent to the family at 14233 442nd Ave. South East, North Bend, Wash., 98045.
Arrangements are being made for a posthumous degree at the South Dakota Mines commencement ceremony on Dec. 19.
Mines students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to reach out to Counseling Services, Campus Ministries, Human Resources, and other appropriate personnel as needed.