NMU is honoring a student who died Tuesday morning in a car accident by lowering its campus flags to half-staff Friday.

Eighteen-year-old Benjamin Johnson of Norway was involved in a multi-vehicle crash on M-553 Tuesday morning in Sands Township, according to local news sources. Johnson was a front-seat passenger in the 2005 Mercury Montego that was driving southbound, lost control and entered the northbound lane, swerving directly in the path of a 2007 Chrysler Town & Country. Johnson was pronounced dead at the scene, and all other occupants were sent to U.P. Health System Marquette by EMS for medical treatment. The crash remains under investigation by the Michigan State Police.

Johnson was an avid sports player; he played hockey starting at age 5, continuing throughout his adolescence. He also excelled in football, baseball and soccer, according to Johnson’s obituary. Fishing was also an enjoyed pastime for Johnson, specifically ice fishing. He cherished his family and his dogs, Rowdy, Pal and Phoenix.

“Ben was known as Big Ben, a gentle giant, who was kind-hearted,” said Johnson’s obituary.