Dakota Ridge HS family plans to honor son — a former football player killed in accident

Sep 30, 2024 at 12:58 AM

Honoring a Young Life: Dakota Ridge High School Rallies to Build Bleachers in Memory of Beloved Football Player

The Dakota Ridge High School community is in mourning after the tragic loss of former football player Walker Moench, who was killed in a dirt bike accident at the age of 19. As the school and Moench's family work to honor his legacy, they have launched a fundraising effort to build new bleachers at the school's football field, a project that was close to Walker's heart.

Preserving the Legacy of a Beloved Athlete and Mentor

A Promising Life Cut Short

The news of Walker Moench's passing has sent shockwaves through the Dakota Ridge High School community. A four-year member of the football team, Moench had recently graduated and even returned to the school to mentor younger players, demonstrating his deep commitment to the sport and his alma mater. Tragically, his life was cut short when he was involved in a fatal dirt bike accident on September 21st.

Honoring Walker's Passion for the Game

In the wake of this devastating loss, Moench's family and the school community have come together to find a meaningful way to honor his memory. One of Walker's final wishes was for the school to build new bleachers at the football field, a project he had discussed with his father just weeks before his passing. Determined to fulfill this wish, the Moench family has launched a fundraising campaign to make this dream a reality.

A Community Rallies to Support the Cause

The response from the Dakota Ridge High School community has been overwhelming. In just a short time, the family has already raised $24,000 towards their goal of $30,000 to construct the new bleachers. This outpouring of support is a testament to the impact Walker had on those around him, both on and off the field.

Keeping Walker's Memory Alive

The construction of the bleachers will serve as a lasting tribute to Walker Moench, ensuring that his legacy and passion for the game he loved will be remembered for years to come. As the school's football team continues to take the field, the new seating will provide a constant reminder of the young man who dedicated so much of himself to the sport and his community.

A Bittersweet Homecoming

The first game since Walker's passing was a poignant and emotional experience for the Dakota Ridge High School community. His girlfriend, Amber Shaw, who witnessed the tragic accident, was present at the game, and Walker's younger brother, Trent, scored two touchdowns, a moment that Trent described as "unreal" and a testament to Walker's enduring presence.

A Legacy that Inspires

Through the construction of the new bleachers, the Dakota Ridge High School community is ensuring that Walker Moench's memory will live on, inspiring future generations of athletes and mentors to follow in his footsteps. This project is not just about honoring a fallen teammate, but about preserving the values and passions that defined Walker's life and the lasting impact he had on those around him.