A central Minnesota family is turning their heartbreak into hope for kids in New London, Minnesota.
This loving family is finding a way to carry their unimaginable loss by giving something beautiful to the community, specifically to kids just like their precious boys.
A DAY OF TRAGEDY
Lara and Mike Dahl lost two of their sons, 15-year-old Will and 11-year-old Harry, after a tragic accident involving a UTV and a pickup truck. Their son Drew, who was also in the accident, survived and has since made a full recovery. But if you ask their parents about Will and Harry, you won’t first hear about the tragedy; you’ll hear their parents speaking about who they WERE.
HARRY AND WILL HAD A GREAT LOVE FOR LIFE
Will, Lara says, was “larger than life,” with bright blue eyes and a smile that could light up a room. Harry had that same warmth. Both boys are full of energy, kindness, and a deep love for life. Out of four brothers, they were the outgoing ones. They were athletes who enjoyed playing football and wrestling. But more than anything, they loved being in the great outdoors, especially when they had the opportunity to go duck hunting. North Dakota trips became a favorite tradition. Time together. Time outside. The kind of memories that stick with you forever.
Two winters ago, on what seemed like an ordinary day, the boys asked to ride their UTV back home after checking deer stands near the family’s property. When they didn’t make it back by dinner, a mother’s worry set in.
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Then came the call no parent should ever have to receive. The accident happened just miles from home. All three boys were rushed to the Children’s Hospital. Will passed away first. Harry held on for a few more days before his body could no longer fight. In the middle of that heartbreak, Lara remembers the small, tender moments she shared with her children, like Sunday mornings before church, doing Harry’s hair, and asking him to close his eyes just to sneak in a kiss.
Those are the pieces of motherhood that never leave. The pieces that matter most.
SHARING WITH OTHERS AS A WAY OF REMEMBRANCE
As the Dahls continue to navigate their grief, they’ve chosen to honor Will and Harry in a way that feels incredibly fitting to who they were. They’re working to create something called ‘Wild Haven.’ Wild Haven will be a sportsman’s club near New London designed to give kids and families a place to connect with the outdoors. A place where young people can discover the same passions Will and Harry loved.
HOW DID THEY COME UP WITH THE NAME FOR WILD HAVEN?
The name itself carries their legacy: “W” for Will, and “H” for Harry. Their vision includes a clubhouse for the New London-Spicer trap shooting team, which is something both boys were part of, with plans to expand into archery and other outdoor activities when possible. But more than anything, it’s meant to be a gathering place. A space where families can slow down, spend time together, and make memories.
The kind that lasts.
THE WILD HAVEN THROWDOWN EVENT IN BELGRADE IS COMING!
To help bring that vision to life, the Dahl family is hosting the ‘Wild Haven Throwdown’ on May 9 at Smilin’ D Arena in Belgrade. It will be a full day of community with concerts, food, games, and even events like a sheep scramble and steer wrestling; exactly the kind of day Will and Harry would have loved.
And maybe that’s the most powerful part of this story.
In the face of overwhelming loss, this family is choosing connection. Choosing purpose. Choosing to make sure their boys are remembered not just for how they died..but for how they lived.Standing up for others. Having each other’s backs. Loving big, and now, helping other kids discover that same kind of joy.
DONATIONS
If you would like to help make Wild Haven happen and can’t attend the Wild Haven Throwdown, you can make a donation by clicking HERE.
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