University of Jamestown Women’s Basketball Assistant Coach Koleman Lind Dies After I-94 Crash

JAMESTOWN, N.D. – The University of Jamestown community is mourning the loss of Koleman Lind, a 24-year-old graduate assistant coach with the university’s women’s basketball program, following a devastating multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 94 in Minnesota.

Lind was involved in a three-vehicle collision on I-94 in Grant County on Sunday afternoon, shortly before 4 p.m., near milepost 80. According to information provided by Minnesota State Patrol, the crash began when a westbound Ford Fusion collided with an eastbound Tesla. A third vehicle subsequently became involved, striking vehicles following the initial collision.

Lind was transported to a hospital in St. Cloud for treatment of his injuries. Despite efforts to save his life, he later died. Another person also died in the crash, while a passenger in the Tesla suffered life-threatening injuries and was transported to a St. Cloud hospital. The driver of the third vehicle was reportedly not injured.

News of Lind’s death sent shockwaves through the University of Jamestown, where he had become a valued member of the women’s basketball program. His colleagues and players remembered him not only as a promising young coach but also as someone whose positive personality and dedication made a lasting impression on those around him.

University of Jamestown Director of Athletics Brian Mistro shared an emotional tribute on social media following the tragedy, asking the community to keep Lind’s family, the women’s basketball team and the coaching staff in their thoughts and prayers.

Mistro described the days following the crash as indescribably difficult and remembered Lind as a young coach who appeared destined for a successful future in basketball. He highlighted Lind’s consistently positive attitude and his ability to encourage and invest in the people around him.

The loss is particularly painful for the University of Jamestown women’s basketball program, where Lind had just completed his second season as a graduate assistant. During his time with the program, he worked closely with players and fellow coaches while pursuing a master’s degree in Leadership.

Lind was originally from Pine City, Minnesota, and had earned a degree in Sports Management from the University of Minnesota Morris. His coaching career was still in its early stages, but those who worked with him believed he had significant potential and a bright future ahead.

For the University of Jamestown community, Lind’s death represents the loss of a young professional who had already made a meaningful contribution to the lives of student-athletes. His role extended beyond the basketball court, as coaches and players often serve as mentors and sources of support for those they work with.

The crash also serves as a tragic reminder of the dangers that can occur on major interstate highways. Investigators with Minnesota State Patrol are expected to continue examining the circumstances surrounding the collision as they work to establish a complete account of what happened.

As the University of Jamestown mourns, attention has turned toward supporting Lind’s family, teammates, colleagues and friends through an extraordinarily difficult period. The basketball community has also joined in remembering a young coach whose life was cut short far too soon.

Lind’s legacy will live on through the players he coached, the colleagues he worked alongside and the many people who were influenced by his kindness, optimism and commitment. For those who knew him, his memory will remain connected to the smile he brought to those around him and the enthusiasm he brought to his work.

The University of Jamestown community continues to grieve the loss of Koleman Lind while offering condolences to his family and everyone affected by the tragedy. His life and coaching career may have been brief, but the impact he made during his time with the program will not be forgotten.