News Summary
Lucas Gray, an 18-year-old graduate from West Linn High School, tragically lost his life in a forklift accident while on the job at a construction site in Oregon City. Two days before finishing his summer job, Lucas was known for his compassion and leadership, having recently delivered a heartfelt message at graduation. His mother and community mourn the profound loss, as friends gather to honor his memory. An investigation into the accident is ongoing, highlighting the need for safety in construction work.
Oregon City – Lucas Gray, an 18-year-old graduate of West Linn High School, died in a tragic forklift accident at a construction site in Oregon City. The fatal incident occurred just two days before Lucas was scheduled to complete his summer job with the West Linn Construction Company, ICON, where he was diligently saving money to attend the University of Utah in the fall.
Lucas was recognized for his compassion and acceptance of everyone around him. During his high school graduation ceremony in June 2025, he recited a passage from Luke 6:37 about judging others—one of the last videos recorded of him. His mother, Catherine Gray, described him as the most caring person she ever knew, highlighting his adventurous spirit and leadership qualities.
Following the accident, Catherine Gray received the devastating news of her son’s injuries and initially struggled to grasp its reality, feeling as though it was a scene from a bad movie. Despite the severity of his injuries, she expressed gratitude for having the opportunity to see and kiss him one last time at the hospital. The family and the community are mourning Lucas’s loss, and his mother shared a poignant moment she had where she felt a spiritual connection with him after his passing.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident to establish what factors contributed to this tragic event. The construction company has publicly expressed deep grief over Lucas’s untimely death and extended condolences to his family.
In the wake of the tragedy, a vigil was held at West Linn High School, organized by friends and loved ones who gathered to honor Lucas’s memory. Many attendees shared fond memories of him, including his close friend Will Ingle, who recounted their shared experiences and the strong bond they had formed over the years.
Lucas was an athlete, participating in sports such as football and wrestling, where he excelled and earned the “heart of a lion” award, recognizing his courage and selflessness. His enthusiasm for his construction job was evident, as he humorously remarked that while construction was difficult, wrestling posed a greater challenge.
Lucas was on the verge of starting a new chapter in his life with aspirations of majoring in business, aiming to become an entrepreneur. His untimely death has created a significant void in the West Linn community, which has rallied together to support each other during this time of grief. An email sent from the school to families noted the profound impact of Lucas’s loss on the community.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers present in construction work and the importance of safety protocols in preventing workplace accidents. The community continues to come together to celebrate Lucas’s life and honor his legacy while awaiting further investigations to shed light on this tragic accident.
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Additional Resources
- KPTV: Mother of Teen Killed in Oregon City Construction Site Remembers Son
- Wikipedia: Oregon City, Oregon
- OregonLive: 18-Year-Old Killed in Accident at Oregon City Construction Site
- Google Search: Construction Site Safety Accidents
- KMVT: Mother of Teen Killed in Oregon City Construction Site Remembers Son
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Construction Accident
- KTIV: Nothing Prepares You for This – Mother Remembers Son Killed in Construction Accident
- Google News: Oregon City Construction Accident
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