October 15, 2026

Carter Michael Monaghan, of Dawson, Minnesota, died on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at the age of 18, following a car accident, according to the family obituary provided. His passing has left his family, friends, classmates, teammates, and the Dawson-Boyd community grieving the loss of a young man remembered for his kindness, determination, and devotion to the people he loved.

A senior at Dawson-Boyd High School, Carter was preparing for his future while enjoying family life, friendships, football, and his growing interest in technology. Although his life ended far too soon, his family’s tribute describes a young man whose compassion, energy, and willingness to help others made a lasting impression on those around him.

Carter Monaghan Cause of Death

According to the family obituary, Carter died following a car accident on October 10, 2026. He was 18 years old.

His unexpected death has brought sorrow to those who knew him, particularly his family, football teammates, friends, and classmates. The tribute remembers him as someone who cared about others, worked hard, and remained committed to the people closest to him.

Further details about the accident were not included in the supplied obituary. The family’s remembrance focuses on Carter’s life, relationships, and the experiences that made him special.

Early Life and Family

Carter Michael Monaghan was born on July 15, 2008, in Orange City, Iowa. He spent his early childhood in Alton, Iowa, where he attended Crayon Castle Preschool.

When Carter was in kindergarten, he moved to Milbank, South Dakota, with his mother and sister, Emma. They shared a close bond while building a life filled with family time, friendships, and everyday moments that later became treasured memories. During those years, Carter attended Koch Elementary School and Milbank Middle School.

Before he began seventh grade, Carter and his family moved to Dawson, Minnesota, where they became part of the Blackjacks community. This chapter brought new friendships and experiences, along with changes within the family. Steven became an important father figure in Carter’s life, and the family grew to include his siblings Mayson, Makyah, and Parker.

Carter was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Dawson. In 2024, he celebrated his confirmation, marking an important milestone in his faith.

Education and Plans for the Future

As a senior at Dawson-Boyd High School, Carter was preparing for the next stage of his life. After graduation, he planned to attend Lake Area Technical College to study cybersecurity and networking.

He had a strong interest in computers and technology. That enthusiasm extended beyond the classroom: Carter ordered his own computer components and, with help from Steve, built his own computer. His interest in hands-on projects reflected his determination to learn and pursue the subjects that fascinated him.

His plans for college represented an exciting future that his family and friends had hoped to see unfold. His passing has left loved ones mourning not only the young man they knew but also the milestones they had expected to celebrate with him.

Carter Monaghan’s Passion for Football

Carter discovered a love for football during his junior year of high school, when he decided to try the sport for the first time. Once he committed to playing, he approached it with dedication and a strong desire to improve.

He worked hard at lifting weights and exercising daily, putting his energy into developing his skills and becoming part of the team. During his first season, he achieved a memorable highlight by scoring a pick-six. He returned for his senior year and continued to enjoy the game.

His commitment to football became an important part of his high school experience, giving him opportunities to build friendships and share meaningful experiences with teammates.

The family has asked those attending his visitation or funeral to wear their “Play for Carter” shirts, football jerseys, or casual clothing in his memory.

A Kind and Compassionate Young Man

Carter was remembered as friendly, caring, and compassionate. He made an effort to get to know people, offered help when others needed it, and was not quick to judge.

His family’s tribute particularly highlights his thoughtfulness toward younger students. He took time to help underclassmen and support those around him, demonstrating a willingness to make himself available when someone needed assistance or encouragement.

Carter also worked hard at his jobs and other responsibilities. He was employed at Johnson Memorial Health Services and took on various side jobs. His readiness to lend a hand reflected the helpful attitude that was also evident in his friendships and family life.

These qualities formed an important part of how his loved ones remembered him: as a young man who cared about others and tried to make a positive difference in their lives.

Carter’s Close Bond With His Sister Emma

One of the most important relationships in Carter’s life was the bond he shared with his younger sister, Emma. They had been a team since she was born, developing their own inside jokes and finding countless opportunities to playfully tease their mother.

Their relationship was built on laughter, loyalty, and mutual support. Carter looked out for Emma and was there for her like a best friend. Even simple outings became part of their shared memories. Emma could often persuade him to make trips to Dairy Queen, and Carter would pay.

The connection they shared was an important part of their family life. For Emma and the rest of the family, the memories of their time together will remain a lasting source of love and comfort.

Family Traditions and Favourite Memories

Carter loved spending time with his extended family and taking part in the traditions that made their time together special.

Some of his favourite memories included setting off fireworks with his grandparents Randy and Jackie on the Fourth of July. He enjoyed fishing trips with his grandparents Tony and Marge, while hunting with his Uncle Mike gave him another opportunity to spend time with family.

Carter also enjoyed working on projects with friends. He could often be found hanging out at the shop, tinkering with cars, or helping with a new idea the group had come up with. Most recently, their interests had turned toward race cars.

These experiences reflected Carter’s energetic personality and his enjoyment of spending time with the people who mattered to him.

A Special Day in His Family’s Life

On July 22, 2025, Carter had the honour of walking his mother down the aisle in Estes Park, Colorado, as she married Steven, the father figure who had become so important in his life.

The wedding marked a meaningful moment for the family. With the marriage, they officially became a family of seven, adding another important chapter to the life they had built together.

Carter’s role in that day reflected his close relationship with his mother and the importance of family in his life.

Cherished Family Vacations

Carter looked forward to the family’s annual vacations, which took them to new places and gave them opportunities to explore together.

Their travels included beaches in Florida and Texas, mountain landscapes in the Rockies and Tetons, and trips to Yellowstone. Each destination brought new experiences and memories that the family will continue to treasure.

For Carter and his loved ones, these vacations were about more than the places they visited. They were opportunities to spend time together, share adventures, and create stories that would remain part of their family history.

Carter Monaghan’s Surviving Family

According to the supplied obituary, Carter is survived by his parents, Steven and Valerie Coubal; his sisters, Emma, Makyah, and Parker; his brother, Mayson; his grandparents, Randy and Jackie Prasnicki, Tony and Marge VanLith, and Elaine Coubal; and his great-grandmother, Beverly Loose.

He also leaves behind aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, classmates, teammates, and other loved ones who will miss him deeply.

His family was at the centre of his life, and the relationships he built with them were reflected in the many ways he showed his love, loyalty, and support.

Funeral and Memorial Service Arrangements

Memorial services for Carter Monaghan are scheduled for Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Dawson, Minnesota. Pastor Kendall Stelter will officiate.

Visitation with the family will take place on Friday, October 16, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Visitation will also continue for one hour before the Saturday service.

A livestream link for the memorial service is expected to be made available on Saturday for those who cannot attend in person.

The family has requested that attendees wear “Play for Carter” shirts, football jerseys, or casual clothing, reflecting the young man and the football community that meant so much to him.

Remembering Carter Michael Monaghan

Carter Monaghan’s death at 18 has left a painful absence in the lives of those who loved him. He was a son, brother, grandson, student, teammate, and friend whose life was marked by determination, generosity, and a genuine interest in others.

From his commitment to football and enthusiasm for computers to his close relationships with his siblings and grandparents, Carter found joy in learning, helping, building, and spending time with the people he loved.

His plans for college and the future remain an important part of his family’s memories of him. Though he will not be present for the milestones they had imagined, the love he gave and the moments they shared will continue to shape their lives.

May Carter Michael Monaghan be remembered for his caring heart, energy, loyalty, and the many ways he made a difference to those around him. May his family, friends, classmates, teammates, and the wider Dawson community find comfort in their memories and strength in one another as they grieve this heartbreaking loss.