A Fergus Falls native and Baylor University sophomore was fatally run over by a speeding driver while riding his bike near the university's Texas campus. The driver has yet to be caught, authorities said.
David Grotberg, a 2015 graduate of Fergus Falls High School, was struck Thursday night in Waco, Texas, roughly 3½ miles southwest of campus, police said. His girlfriend, also attending the private Baptist university, was riding with him and came away unscathed.
Grotberg was very active on campus, including playing trumpet in the Baylor University Golden Wave Band. On Saturday, during halftime of the Baylor-Oklahoma football game, both bands dedicated their performances to Grotberg.
"He was a bright shining star within our band family," read a statement posted on Facebook by Isaiah Odajima, associate director of bands in the School of Music.
Along with being in the band, Grotberg was president of the Ballroom Dance Society and was involved in Alliance Bible Church in Waco.
He also was involved in the Honors College and participated in the Baylor Interdisciplinary Core, the Honors Program and the University Scholars Program.
"Like a lot of students in our community, David was amazingly gifted — smart, artistic, creative — but even among our students he stood out for his energy, charisma and winsomeness," said Jonathan Tran, a faculty adviser for Honors Residential College and an associate professor of religion. "He was surely one of our brightest stars."
A Monday evening memorial bike ride to start outside City Hall was planned in Fergus Falls, according to the Facebook page for Pedal Fergus Falls. Donations benefit the Grotberg family.
Grotberg is survived by his parents, Clark and Diane Grotberg, and siblings Mary, Elizabeth, Thomas, Sarah and Alexandra. His funeral is set for 1 p.m. Oct. 18 at Crossroads Church in Fergus Falls, with a reviewal starting one hour before.
Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482
