A six-year-old boy from Texas lost his life in a heartbreaking ATV crash while visiting his father in Illinois for spring break, authorities confirmed. Jason Alvarado, the young victim, was riding a REX110 ATV on the sidewalk along Mission Boulevard in Joliet on Friday when he lost control of the vehicle and collided with a tree, according to local news outlet WGN-TV.
The impact of the crash caused Alvarado to be “ejected from the vehicle,” the Joliet Police Department stated. He was immediately transported to St. Joseph Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead. Another child, an eight-year-old boy who was riding as a passenger on the ATV, miraculously escaped without injuries, officials said.
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The ATV, designed specifically for children, was capable of reaching speeds of up to 20 mph. However, authorities noted that neither child was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, raising concerns about safety precautions. Joliet Police Chief Bill Evans urged caution when allowing young children to operate such vehicles. “I would not advise just putting a youngster on it,” Evans remarked, emphasizing the importance of proper safety measures.
Alvarado’s grandmother, Lucero Quezada, spoke to NBC affiliate WMAQ-TV, remembering her grandson as a joyful and affectionate child. “He was an angel. He came to us to make everybody happy. And he was very lovely, always happy,” she shared. Authorities have launched an investigation into the accident but have not filed any charges at this time.
In the wake of the tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign was created to support Alvarado’s family, with more than $12,000 raised as of Monday. Joliet Police Chief Evans expressed his condolences on behalf of the department and the local community. “There are no words that can fully capture the sorrow of losing a child.
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Our hearts are broken for the family, whose unimaginable grief is shared by our officers and the entire Joliet community,” he said. “May this child’s memory be a blessing, and may we all take a moment to remember those most deeply affected by this tragedy,” Evans added.
As authorities continue their investigation, the community has rallied around the grieving family, emphasizing the importance of ATV safety and helmet use to prevent further tragedies.
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