NEED TO KNOW
- Oliver Ball-Reed of Hebron, Ind. died in a bike accident on a BMX track on Jan. 31
- Reed was 13 years old, and died after he was brought to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment
- An official cause of death is to be determined
A 13-year-old boy died in a bike accident at a BMX track in Indiana on Jan. 31.
Hobart Police were dispatched to Steel Wheels BMX, located in the 700 block of North Hobart Road in Hobart, Ind. after a bike accident was reported on site, local outlet WSG 9 reports, citing police. The boy was identified as Oliver Ball-Reed of Hebron, Ind. He was 13.
Reed was transported to a local hospital, where he died from his injuries, the outlet reports.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to his parents, Mary and Phil,as well as his younger brother Ellis, with whom he raced alongside for the past eight years,” Steel Wheels BMX wrote in a statement on social media.
“We are all gutted by this horrible tragedy and will be doing everything we can to support Oliver’s family as they navigate this sudden and shocking loss,” the statement continued. “We have been in ongoing communications with the family throughout this process, and want to thank our local community for respecting the family’s privacy and wishes. As we all process this unspeakable news, we are grateful for the love and support of our BMX community that has folded Oliver’s family — as well as our track family — into their arms during this difficult time.”
PEOPLE has reached out to Steel Wheels BMX for further comment.
“If you have participated in the Indiana State Series for the last few years, you’ll recognize Oliver’s name,” Fort Wayne BMX shared on social media. “He was a force to be reckoned with on the track at all times and a good friend to even his competitors off the track. He will be missed dearly.”
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The organization announced it will be sharing details of Reed’s upcoming funeral arrangements. PEOPLE reached out to Fort Wayne BMX for further comment.
The Lake County Coroner’s Office tells PEOPLE that they have yet to determine Reed’s official cause of death.
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