OREGON CITY — A local community is grieving the loss of an 18-year-old who had only just stepped into adulthood when tragedy struck on a construction site this week.

Lucas Gray, a recent graduate of West Linn High School, was killed Wednesday morning when he was struck by a forklift at a job site in Oregon City, his family confirmed.

His mother, Catherine Gray, shared the devastating news with local media, describing the heartbreak every parent fears. “It’s a mother’s worst fear,” she said. “He was a leader in the community, a wrestler [on the school team], a Christian, a great man and just a super light, wonderful child.”

Lucas had graduated in June and had plans to continue his education at the University of Utah this fall. His mother said he only had two days left on the job when the accident happened — a job he had taken on to earn some extra money and experience before college.

Catherine Gray said her son’s dreams reached well beyond this summer job. He had an entrepreneurial spirit, she explained, and dreamed of starting his own business one day. But what really defined Lucas, his mother said, was his faith and his constant drive to lift up others.

“He was planning to just use his life to bless others and make our world a better place,” she said. “He was so funny and just so charismatic. Everybody loved him.”

Photos shared by his family show a beaming young man proud of his high school years — a dedicated wrestler, a friend to many, and a student known for his warmth and leadership.

In the hours after his death, classmates, friends, and neighbors gathered to mourn and remember him. A vigil was held at West Linn High School Wednesday night, where candles flickered in the summer dusk as classmates, teachers, and family members grieved together.

An email sent by the school to families said the loss would be deeply felt by the entire community: “Lucas was a loved and active member of our school community,” the email read.

The accident underscores the risks young workers can face on construction sites, especially in summer months when teens and recent graduates often take on seasonal work. Local workplace safety investigators are expected to look into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

For now, the community is focused on remembering who Lucas was — and how much promise he held. Many who knew him say they hope his memory will inspire others to lead with the same light he carried every day.

Originally reported by Oregon Live.