CHRISTOPHER MARTIN ASHBY, age 16, of Luverne, died Wednesday, July 5, 2006, as a result of an automobile accident south of Luverne. He was born October 12, 1989, in Rochester. On November 14, 1989, Chris was adopted by Gene and Barb (DeGroot) Ashby. As a four-year-old, he won the MN State Pedal Pull Championship; and placed third nationally. At the age of ten, Chris won the State Hershey Track Meet in the 200-meter dash; and anchored the winning 400 X 100-meter relay team. He qualified in the State Youth Wrestling Tournament in 2000. He completed his sophomore year at Luverne High School where he was a member of the A Honor Roll. He was a member of the United Methodist Church, in Luverne; and an active student at Luverne High School. Chris played trumpet in the school & marching bands. He was a former wrestler and was currently playing on the school football team, where he was one of the top scorers as a sophomore. He also played basketball, soccer, and baseball & ran track. Chris was part of the ?Magnificent 7? Luverne track team where he helped the team win the 2006 Class A Track Championship. He participated in the 110-meter hurdles, the 4 X 400 relay, where the team set a new school record & he placed second in the 300-meter hurdles. Chris earned Academic All-State Honors in both 2005 & 2006. He loved all activities & spending time with Alyssa this past year. Chris is survived by his parents, Gene & Barb Ashby, Luverne; paternal grandparents, Howard & Ruth Ashby, Luverne; maternal grandmother, Margie DeGroot, Luverne; uncle, Dean (Liz) DeGroot, Minneapolis; two cousins, Anna & Sarah DeGroot; and a special friend, Alyssa Klein. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Ralph DeGroot; and an uncle, Melvin Ashby.