Cause of Death and Obituary for Matt Lee South, St. Paul, MN; St. Olaf College Football Player and Junior Economics Major Die in a Fatal Shooting

 Authorities have confirmed Matt Lee, a 20-year-old St. Olaf College football player and junior economics student, as the victim of the fatal shooting that took place Friday morning.

The incident occurred on September 12, 2025, at around 3:45 a.m. at a residence in the 300 block of 2nd Avenue South. Police said Lee was declared dead at the scene, and another male victim was seriously injured and sent to the hospital.

The suspect, a 19-year-old guy from St. Paul, fled the scene, and a shelter-in-place order was issued for the area. At approximately 5:45 a.m., he was then taken into custody without incident.

St. Olaf College expressed their grief over Lee's death in a statement, highlighting both his role as a linebacker for the football team and his impact on the campus community. "The whole St. Olaf community is grieving the death of student-athlete Matt Lee, who passed away unexpectedly early Friday morning," the institution said.

To provide staff and students a chance to come together in remembrance, the College Ministry hosted a campus gathering at Boe Memorial Chapel on Friday night.

Investigations into the incident's circumstances and motivation are ongoing. Authorities have not yet disclosed any possible charges against the suspect.

The communities of St. Olaf and South St. Paul have been shocked by Lee's passing, as friends, teammates, and classmates remember him as a dedicated athlete, student, and friend.