Minnesota Twins Light Stadium to Honor Iowa Lakes Baseball Team

Tribute to player Carter Johnson and team following tragic bus accident

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The Minnesota Twins lit up their Minneapolis stadium in the colors of the Iowa Lakes Community College Lakers, honoring the school's baseball team and outfielder Carter Johnson, who died in a tragic team bus accident on February 11th. The Twins expressed their support for the Johnson family, the team, and the community.

Why it matters

The tragic bus accident that killed 19-year-old Carter Johnson and injured other members of the Iowa Lakes baseball team has deeply impacted the local community. The Twins' gesture of lighting their stadium in the team's colors is a meaningful show of solidarity and support during this difficult time.

The details

The Iowa Lakes Community College baseball team was traveling to a game in Arkansas on February 11th when their bus overturned, killing Johnson and injuring other passengers. The Twins, who are currently in spring training in Florida, lit up their empty stadium in the Lakers' blue and yellow colors on Friday night to honor Johnson and the team.

  • The bus accident occurred on February 11, 2026.
  • The Twins lit up their stadium on Friday, February 14, 2026.

The players

Carter Johnson

A 19-year-old freshman criminal justice major and outfielder for the Iowa Lakes Community College baseball team who was killed in the bus accident.

Minnesota Twins

The professional baseball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Iowa Lakes Community College

The community college located in Estherville, Iowa that the baseball team represents.

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What they’re saying

“Our hearts and our support go out to the Johnson family, the team, and the community.”

— Matt Hodson, Director of Business Communication, Minnesota Twins (desmoinesregister.com)

“Funny story to share for [a] smile in this time of major grief as we cope with the death of my son. [Twins centerfielder Harrison Bader] threw a ball into the stands [that] was destined for me. At the last second, Carter reached out and grabbed it before I could. He looked at me, with a huge smile, and said, 'You're getting slow, old man!'... God I miss him!!”

— Jeff Johnson, Father of Carter Johnson (Facebook)

What’s next

Schools across Iowa and South Dakota have joined in lighting their stadiums in honor of Carter Johnson. The Iowa State softball team also wore blue and yellow hair ribbons during a game on Friday as a tribute.

The takeaway

The Twins' gesture of lighting their stadium in the Iowa Lakes team colors is a powerful show of support and solidarity during a tragic time. It highlights the tight-knit community ties between Minnesota and Iowa, and the way sports can bring people together to mourn and honor those lost.