Orono Man Pleads Guilty In Crash That Killed Son Of Gophers Coach

HENNEPIN COUNTY, MN — A 52-year-old Orono man has pleaded guilty in a July 2021 crash that killed two of his passengers. Mack Motzko, of Deephaven — the 20-year-old son of Gophers men's hockey coach Bob Motzko — was one of the two passengers killed.

Samuel Schuneman, 24, of Scottsdale was also killed.

On Tuesday, James Blue pleaded guilty to two counts of criminal vehicular homicide. Blue's blood alcohol content was 0.175 at the time of the crash, more than twice the legal limit, according to the criminal complaint.

Electronics from Blue's Bentley showed he was driving between 94 and 99 mph when he crashed, police said. The speed limit in that area ranges from 35 to 45 miles per hour, according to the criminal complaint.

The plea agreement asks for Blue to be sentenced to 90 months — over seven years — in prison. Blue's sentencing is scheduled for May 5.

Police said the crash occurred just after 11:30 a.m. on July 24. Orono police found the 2017 Bentley Flying Spur underneath a tree that it uprooted.

Blue and Motzko were taken to North Memorial Hospital, where Motzko died. Schuneman was declared dead at the scene.

Blue was flung 10 feet from the car in the crash, according to the criminal complaint. Blue was conscious and told officers he was "sorry," and admitted to drinking and being "guilty," police said.

Before the crash, the three were at a party, according to the criminal complaint. Blue was taking shots of alcohol and had eaten THC gummies, witnesses at the party told police.

Hospital staff found THC gummies and crushed-up white pills and green capsules in Blue's pocket, according to the criminal complaint.