Mother of Late Eden Prairie Baseball Player Drew Von Fisher Honors Son on 19th Birthday
On August 10, 18-year-old former Eden Prairie High School baseball player Drew Von Fisher died after being struck by a vehicle on Interstate 94 in Minnesota. The incident occurred after Von Fisher’s own vehicle struck a crash barrier, prompting him to exit his car before the secondary collision took place.
The Sequence of the Fatal Incident
According to the Minnesota State Patrol, the incident began when Von Fisher’s 2005 Ford Focus impacted a crash barrier intended to separate main traffic lanes from exit lanes. Following the initial collision, Von Fisher exited his vehicle. While outside of his car, he was struck by a 2021 Tesla Model 3 driven by a 21-year-old, with a 22-year-old passenger present in the vehicle. Neither the driver nor the passenger of the Tesla sustained injuries. Authorities have stated that alcohol is not believed to have been a factor in the initial crash involving Von Fisher’s vehicle.
Public Mourning and Family Response
The tragedy occurred just days before Von Fisher’s 19th birthday. His mother, Michele Fisher, addressed the loss in a public post on Facebook on Wednesday, August 12. “Happy 19th birthday Drew in Heaven! Words I never thought I’d have to say! Heartbroken doesn’t cover it! I am so proud of the man you were and your faith in God!” she wrote. She noted the coincidence of the dates, stating, “Today I finally get to see you but have to say goodbye on the same date I got to hold you to say our first in person hello! I don’t understand how this can be FOREVER 18!”
A GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist the family with funeral and memorial expenses. The page describes Von Fisher as a “beloved son, grandson, nephew, cousin, godson, and friend,” highlighting his character as “the most caring, thoughtful, generous, and funny person.” His obituary, which notes his graduation from Eden Prairie High School in 2025, further characterizes him as someone with a “caring heart and generous spirit” whose smile was known for its ability to “brighten even the sourest of days.”
Industry Context: The Burden of Unexpected Crisis
Legacy and Community Impact
As the community of Eden Prairie remembers Von Fisher, the focus remains on the impact he made during his short life. The fundraising effort emphasizes that no family should be forced to navigate the “financial burden of saying goodbye” while in the midst of profound grief. By centralizing support through a verified memorial fund, the family aims to maintain the focus on honoring Von Fisher’s memory and the “promise he held” for those who knew him.
As the investigation into the collision continues under the jurisdiction of the Minnesota State Patrol, the family and local community members continue to lean on the support networks established in the wake of the loss.
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