he entire YFU community mourns the tragic death of YFU exchange student Alexander Voigt, and our thoughts and prayers are with Alexander’s family and loved ones in Germany, and his host family and friends here in the United States. We also extend our sympathies to the family of Scott Olson, the pilot in the plane, who was a dear friend of Alexander’s host father.

At this point, the investigation continues as to the details of what may have caused this tragedy, and we refer all of those questions to the Sauk Rapids Police Department.

YFU has arranged for counseling services for Alexander’s friends and loved ones in his adopted US community, and we continue to work with our colleagues at YFU Germany to ensure that those most impacted by this tragedy in Alexander’s home country receive the support and care that they need.

Counseling services for students in Alexander’s host community of St Cloud have been arranged and anyone in need of assistance should call Four County Crisis 24-hour hotline at (320) 253-5555 or (800) 635-8008. 

What’s most important now is the care for all those impacted by Alexander’s passing, and the YFU network will continue to do all it can to support all those affected by this tragedy.