A 6-year-old boy from Texas has died following an ATV crash on a sidewalk in Illinois, authorities said.
The child, identified as Jason Alvarado, was riding a REX110 ATV on the sidewalk along Mission Boulevard in Joliet on Friday, March 15, when he lost control and crashed into a tree. The impact threw him from the vehicle, according to a news release from the Joliet Police Department.
Jason was rushed to St. Joseph Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead, Police Chief Bill Evans confirmed.
Jason had been visiting his father in Illinois for spring break when the tragic accident occurred, his family told CW affiliate WGN-TV.
His grandmother, Lucero Quezada, described him as “the sweetest boy” she knew. “He was the best kid in the world,” she told NBC affiliate WMAQ-TV, adding, “He was an angel who brought happiness to everyone around him.”
An 8-year-old boy who was riding as a passenger on the ATV was not injured, police said.
Neither child was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, Evans told WGN-TV and WMAQ. The ATV was designed for children and could reach speeds of up to 20 mph, but Evans cautioned against allowing young kids to ride it unsupervised.
“There are no words that can fully capture the sorrow of losing a child,” Evans said in a statement. “Our hearts are broken for the family, whose unimaginable grief is shared by our officers and the entire Joliet community.”
He later added, “May this child’s memory be a blessing, and may we all take a moment to remember those most deeply affected by this tragedy.”
The crash is still under investigation, and no charges have been filed.
Meanwhile, a GoFundMe campaign has raised more than $10,000 to support Jason’s family during this difficult time.
