Roadrunners Say Goodbye to Blake Paltz

Student killed in head-on collision.

For the many who knew Blake Paltz, their hearts are filled with memories of a kind, open-hearted young man who was full of life and inspiration.

LBCC student and soccer player Blake Paltz. Photo by Art Motta

His friends and family had an emotional start to the New Year as Paltz was involved in a head-on traffic collision just south of Junction City on Monday, Jan. 2. 

Paltz was alone in his SUV when it collided with 56-year-old Danielle Ball's Honda Accord. Ball was also traveling alone and was pronounced dead at the scene. Paltz would later be pronounced dead while recieving treatment in the hospital according to a report in the Eugene Register Guard.

Blake graduated from Junction City High School in 2010 and had been a student of Linn Benton for the past two years. He alos played for the men’s soccer team this season, helping them to their best record in school history.

After his death his parents received a knock on the door from a stranger who told them a story that no one had heard before.

A few months back Paltz was driving along a quiet highway when he spotted a stranger on top of a bridge looking suspicious. Paltz stopped to see what the man was up to.

The man was getting ready to take his life by jumping of the bridge. Using his own charm and aspiration for life, Paltz was able to talk the man out of committing suicide. This man felt his story needed to be told and reached out to Paltz parents after his death.

This story was told again at Paltz’s memorial service by the pastor to his friends and family. To which had not heard this story before. As some might gloat and tell of their accomplishment, Paltz kept his noble feat to his self.

Rocco Lizzi graduated with Paltz from high school and has spent countless moments with the person he called a “brother” to him.

“He could never let us be angry with each other, he would always find a way to make up. We were complete opposites, but complemented each other perfectly” Lizzi said.

Paltz loved soccer. He was the starting left back for the LB team this season.

“He was the court jester, always making everyone laugh with his great sense of humor. His teammates loved him and he loved them back,” LB coach Art Mota said.

Paltz was always full of energy and life, always trying to make an influence in people’s life. He would always make sure to say hi to everyone as they arrived to practice and try to spread his good vibes into the team chemistry.

Max Sampson had this to say about his former teammate: “Blake had a powerful personality, he was always a loyal friend. I would never be surprised by what Blake would do because he was very spontaneous and energetic. It is very hard to accept that I won’t get to kick the ball around with him anymore.”

Paltz had a level of commitment and love for life that was unlike anything most people ever get a chance to embrace. His sense of humor was enlightening, even if the joke was on him.

He even scored a goal this year from his defensive back position against Mt. Angel, which if you know soccer, is an amazing and rare feat.

His life will not be forgotten. His teammates are planning on retiring his jersey (definitely not his practice one since he never wore a shirt at practice regardless of the weather) and possibly name their indoor team in memory of their lost friend.

At a glance:

To help Blakes family with funeral expenses and medical costs please go to any US Bank and donate to the Blake Paltz Memorial Fund. You can also follow a Facebook page dedicated in Blake's honor as well as keep up on upcoming fundraisers. 

Paltz death was the fifth over this year’s New Yeas weekend on Oregon roads compared to just one last year and zero the year before according to Oregon Department of Transportation and Oregon State Police. Paltz was alone in his SUV at the time of the accident.