The Forest Hills Eastern High School community in Ada, Michigan, is mourning the death of 17-year-old Luke Kooistra, a student-athlete who was preparing to begin his senior year when he died in an off-road vehicle crash in Oceana County early Sunday, August 23, 2026.

According to the Oceana County Sheriff’s Office, Luke was one of six people riding in a side-by-side off-road vehicle on private property in Golden Township after midnight Sunday. The vehicle rolled over, and Luke was the only person injured. First responders pronounced him dead at the scene.

The circumstances have prompted a criminal investigation. Authorities arrested the 18-year-old driver, who is also from Ada, on suspicion of operating while intoxicated causing death.

Luke Kooistra Remembered by Forest Hills Eastern

Luke was a student at Forest Hills Eastern High School and was scheduled to begin his senior year this week.

School leaders described him as a proud FHE Hawk whose kindness, warmth and ability to make people feel welcome had made a lasting impression on classmates, teachers and coaches. The school community has made counselors and social workers available to students following his death.

The school also announced changes to its orientation schedule, including the cancellation of planned junior and senior class meetings, while providing students with opportunities to gather and support one another. Luke Kooistra and Forest Hills Eastern Lacrosse

Luke was an active member of the school’s boys’ lacrosse program. His athletic profile lists him as a Class of 2027 student and an offensive midfielder for Forest Hills Eastern.

His connection to the lacrosse program made his death particularly difficult for teammates and coaches, who had shared practices, games and countless moments with him.

Forest Hills Eastern’s athletics community publicly acknowledged his death, describing Luke as a senior, a leader on the boys lacrosse team and a proud member of the school community.

What Happened in the Luke Kooistra ATV Accident?

The fatal incident occurred early Sunday morning in Golden Township, Oceana County, Michigan.

Police said six people were riding in a side-by-side on private property when the vehicle rolled over. Luke suffered fatal injuries, while authorities reported that he was the only person injured in the crash.

The investigation remains ongoing, particularly concerning the circumstances surrounding the vehicle’s operation and the suspected intoxication of the driver.

Community Mourns a Young Life

Luke’s death came only days before Forest Hills Eastern students were scheduled to return for the new school year, making the news particularly painful for the school community.

For classmates and teammates, the tragedy represents the sudden loss of someone who was expected to be part of another year of school, athletics and shared milestones.

Forest Hills Eastern officials have encouraged members of the school community to support one another while counselors remain available to students dealing with the death.

Luke Kooistra will be remembered by his family, classmates, teammates, coaches and friends as a young man whose life was cut short just as he was approaching an important milestone in his education.

Funeral and Memorial Arrangements

Funeral, visitation and memorial arrangements for Luke Kooistra have not yet been publicly confirmed in the information available for this report.

Any details regarding services should be obtained from the Kooistra family or an authorized funeral home or memorial announcement.

Disclaimer

This article is based on information released and reported on August 24, 2026. Details surrounding the investigation may change as authorities continue their work. Funeral arrangements and additional personal information should only be reported when confirmed by the family or an authorized representative.