Hermantown Native Collapses, Dies During NorthShore Inline Marathon
DULUTH, Minn. – The rollerblading community is mourning after one of their own collapsed and died during the NorthShore Inline Marathon in Duluth Saturday.
Medical personnel responded the tunnels of I-35 around 7:30 a.m. for a skater who was down along the course, according to Duluth police.
The skater, Mike Lufholm, 36, of Minneapolis, who is a graduate from Hermantown High School, according to his family, was taken by ambulance to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Mike and his wife, Erin
In a statement, the NorthShore Inline Marathon said they are “deeply saddened” by the news.
“Mike’s passion was skating, and it truly brought him so much happiness. Our hearts go out to his wife, daughter, family, and all those who were close to him. He made such an impact on the rollerblading community. Northshore Inline Marathon wants to express our heartfelt gratitude to the participants on the course who came to the aid of a fellow skater, the first responders, and the medical professionals who provided medical care,” according to the post from NorthShore Inline Marathon.
Lufholm and his wife, Erin, celebrated the birth of their first child, Oliva Jane, just three weeks ago.
Lufholm was also was recently featured in a Rollerblade.com publication about his love for the sports.
When asked how he thinks skating makes the world a better place, he responded with the following:
“Skating is just as beneficial for my mental health as it is for my physical health. No matter what is going on in the world around me, I always feel better after going for a skate. Sharing that joy with friends always makes the experience more enjoyable. I have made many lifelong friendships and can’t imagine what life would be like had I never found skating. Without a doubt, skating helps keep me happy and healthy,” Lufholm told the publication.
