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.