Orono H.S. Alum Dies After Assault in St. Cloud

A 2010 graduate of Orono High School died at a St. Cloud hospital Friday night from injuries sustained during an assault near St. Cloud State University.

Colton Ryan Gleason was walking with friends just after 11 p.m. Thursday night when, according to a Sunday report by the St. Cloud Times, an occupant got out of of a four-door passenger car and threw a punch.

Gleason fell, struck his head and was transported to St. Cloud Hospital. He died less than 24 hours later from what police say was head trauma.

The attack occurred in an alleyway between Eighth and Ninth Avenues, an area populated primarily by college students.

Trevor Arneson grew up with Gleason and said Sunday night he was devestated by news of his friend's death.

"Colton made many great memories in my childhood," Arneson said. "I'll never forget any of them. Seeing such a great kid dying this way breaks my heart. He will always be apart of my life. My prayers go to the whole Gleason family. You'll never be forgotten Colton."

Police are working numerous leads in connection to Gleason's death, but no arrests had been made as of this posting. A $1,000 reward has been offered for information leading to the apprehension of those responsible.

St. Cloud Police Chief Blair Anderson said Gleason was in St. Cloud visiting friends.

Those who knew Gleason, as well as many who didn't, took to Twitter over the weekend to express sympathy, share memories and issue pleas for information.

Friends of Gleason have started the Twitter hashtag #Justice4Colton in an effort to spread word of the 20-year-old's death and generate leads for the police investigation.

Gleason played both football and soccer at Orono High School and was currently attending Minnesota State University-Mankato, where he was studying business. He was scheduled to earn his degree in 2014.

Gleason worked for his family's business—New Glow Flooring & Surface Enhancement in Medina—both in high school and during breaks from college classes.

Patch will have additional updates to this story as they become available.