6-Year-old Killed in ATV Crash
On March 15, 2025, at 5:04 p.m., Officers responded to the 900 block of Mission Boulevard for a report of a crash involving an all-terrain vehicle (ATV).
A preliminary investigation of the crash determined the following: A 6-year-old male was driving a REX110 ATV northbound on the sidewalk between the 900 and 1000 block of Mission Boulevard with an 8-year-old male as a passenger. The ATV lost control and struck a tree causing the 6-year-old male to become ejected from the vehicle.
The 6-year-old male was transported to St Joseph Medical Center by the Joliet Fire Department where he was unfortunately later pronounced deceased. The 8-year-old male was not injured in the crash.
Accident investigators arrived at the scene to complete a full reconstruction of the crash as part of this investigation, which is still ongoing.
“There are no words that can fully capture the sorrow of losing a child,” said Joliet Police Chief Bill Evans in a press release. “Our hearts are broken for the family, whose unimaginable grief is shared by our officers and the entire Joliet community.
“In times like this, we must come together to offer our prayers, strength, and unwavering support to those who are suffering. I want to express my deepest gratitude to our first responders who arrived at the scene, demonstrating unwavering professionalism and compassion while facing such a heartbreaking tragedy.
“May this child’s memory be a blessing, and may we all take a moment to remember those most deeply affected by this tragedy.”