Minnesota Twins honor Iowa Lakes player killed in bus crash

Target Field lit up in blue and yellow to remember Carter Johnson

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The Minnesota Twins paid tribute to Iowa Lakes Community College baseball player Carter Johnson, who died in a bus crash near Twin Lakes, Iowa earlier this week. The team lit up Target Field in blue and yellow, Johnson's school colors, to honor his memory.

Why it matters

The tragic loss of a young athlete has shaken the Iowa Lakes community, and the Twins' gesture is a meaningful way for a professional sports team to show support and solidarity during a difficult time.

The details

Carter Johnson, a native of Rapid City, South Dakota, was a member of the Iowa Lakes baseball team when the bus he was riding in crashed near Twin Lakes, Iowa earlier this week, resulting in his death. The Minnesota Twins, who play their home games at Target Field, decided to light up the stadium in the blue and yellow colors of Iowa Lakes to honor Johnson's memory and the impact he had on his team and community.

  • The bus crash occurred earlier this week near Twin Lakes, Iowa.
  • The Minnesota Twins lit up Target Field on Friday, February 15, 2026 to honor Carter Johnson.

The players

Carter Johnson

A baseball player for Iowa Lakes Community College who died in a bus crash near Twin Lakes, Iowa.

Minnesota Twins

The professional baseball team that plays its home games at Target Field and paid tribute to Carter Johnson by lighting up the stadium in his school colors.

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The takeaway

The Twins' gesture is a heartwarming example of how professional sports teams can use their platform to honor and remember young athletes who have tragically passed away, providing comfort to their grieving community.