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Serving Northern St. Louis County, Minnesota

TRAGEDY

‘He just made you feel good’

Trevor Reichel, 19, dies from fireworks accident

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COOK— Trevor Reichel, age 19, drew friends like moths to a flame. “He was one of those kids who always had a crowd around him,” recalls John Jirik, Dean of Students at the North Woods School, where Trevor graduated in 2014.

“He was always laughing and having a good time. Other kids were just attracted to him. He just made you feel good.”

Trevor’s fun-loving nature turned tragic last Friday, when he died as a result of a fireworks-related injury sustained in a backyard in Mt. Iron. According to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, Reichel had attached an incendiary device to a hardhat and was wearing it when it exploded, critically injuring him. He later died en route via helicopter to Essentia-St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth.

“It was a very big shock,” said Matt Clines, of Timbuktu Marina, where Trevor had worked since he was just 11 years-old. While he started out helping with odds and ends, he became more integral to the operation over the years. “It’s a big setback. He was a big part of things here,” said Clines.

Clines echoed the sentiments of others, remembering Trevor as invariably cheerful. “He was a fun guy to be around. He brought a lot of joy to this place.” He also recalled his love for Lake Vermilion, where he spent much of his free time fishing or hunting. “He knew the whole lake and had friends from one end to the other,” said Clines. “The lake has lost a really good young man.”

According to his obituary, which appears on page B3 of this week’s paper, Trevor was happiest when he was outdoors or while enjoying the company of others. “He lived, and truly enjoyed, every day of his life,” recalls his family.

His desire to help others prompted him to earn his Emergency Medical Technician certificate at Northland Community College in East Grand Forks in 2014.

Trevor was also active in sports, and he had some memorable moments in his short high school football career. Jirik, who coached the team in addition to serving as North Woods dean, recalls the last game of Trevor’s senior year, when he caught a pass for a touchdown. While North Woods still narrowly lost the playoff match-up, Jirik said Trevor had to have been pleased with his contribution.

“He knew he had made a big play,” said Jirik.

Trevor is survived by his parents, Fred and Kirsten Reichel, his brother, Karl and nephew, Konnor Isham-Reichel, all of Cook. Memorial services are planned for 1 p.m., on Saturday, Nov. 21, at the North Woods School Commons. A sharing time with friends and family will begin at 11 a.m. A reception is planned at The Crescent Restaurant following the service.

Trevor’s death remains under investigation by the sheriff’s office.