News Summary
Lucas Gray, an 18-year-old who had recently graduated from West Linn High School, died in a forklift accident while working at a construction site in Oregon City. Known for his compassion and leadership qualities, his passing has devastated his family and the community. Lucas was preparing to attend the University of Utah to pursue a business degree. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating the incident, and tributes continue to pour in, highlighting his positive impact on those around him.
Oregon City – Lucas Gray, an 18-year-old recent graduate of West Linn High School, was killed in a tragic forklift accident while working at a construction site in Oregon City. The incident, which occurred just two days before he was scheduled to complete his summer employment with the West Linn Construction Company, ICON, has left his family and the community in mourning.
Gray graduated from West Linn High School in June 2025, where he was known for his compassion and ability to accept others without judgment. One of the last videos of him captured during his graduation ceremony featured him reciting a verse from the Bible, Luke 6:37, emphasizing his values of empathy and understanding. His mother, Catherine Gray, described Lucas as the most caring person she knew, noting his leadership qualities and adventurous spirit as traits that endeared him to those around him.
Lucas was employed by ICON while saving money to attend the University of Utah in the fall to pursue a business degree, with aspirations of becoming an entrepreneur. On the day of the accident, he was working diligently on the construction site when the fatal incident occurred. Details about the specifics of the accident have not yet been released.
Catherine Gray received an unexpected phone call regarding her son’s accident and recalled that, at first, she felt disbelief, as if she were watching a scene from a bad movie. Despite the severity of his injuries, she expressed gratitude for the opportunity to see and kiss him one last time, cherishing those emotional moments. The family has been overwhelmed by grief and shock, leading to calls for healing within the community.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident to determine how it occurred. In response to the incident, ICON has expressed deep sorrow over Lucas’s untimely death and has extended condolences to his family, acknowledging the profound impact he had on those around him.
Following his passing, a vigil was held at West Linn High School, organized by friends and loved ones. During this emotional gathering, Lucas’s best friend fondly remembered the memories they shared, reflecting on their strong bond and the joyful moments of their friendship. Lucas was not only a beloved friend but also a passionate athlete who excelled in sports such as football and wrestling. He earned the “heart of a lion” award in wrestling for demonstrating courage and selflessness.
Lucas often expressed enthusiasm for his construction job, humorously noting that while construction work was challenging, he believed wrestling required even more perseverance. Tragically, he was only days away from completing his summer job when the accident occurred, leaving many to reflect on the short yet meaningful life he led.
The loss of Lucas Gray will resonate deeply within the West Linn community. An email sent from the school to families acknowledged the impact of his passing, recognizing both the grief felt and the unity required to help one another heal during this difficult time. In moments of sorrow like these, the legacy of compassion and acceptance Lucas embodied continues to inspire others.
As the investigation by OSHA progresses and the community begins to process this loss, tributes and memorials will likely continue to emerge as a testament to Lucas Gray’s enduring spirit and the mark he left on those who knew him.
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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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