Oliver Ball-Reed: Boy, 13, dies after serious injuries in horrific BMX accident

A teenage boy has died after sustaining severe injuries in a horrific BMX accident.

Oliver Ball-Reed, 13, was at a BMX track in Hobart, Indiana on January 31 when tragedy struck.

Police were called to Steel Wheels BMX on North Hobart Road after reports of a bike accident on site.

First responders rushed Oliver to a nearby hospital, but sadly his injuries were too extensive and the boy died.

Steel Wheels has since posted a tribute to the boy, saying he rode BMX alongside his younger brother for eight years.

“Today, our Steel Wheels BMX community is mourning the loss of one of our riders,” the statement posted to Facebook said.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to his parents, Mary and Phil, as well as his younger brother, with whom he raced alongside for the past eight years.

“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 Steel Wheels team said they were in communication with Oliver’s family.

“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.”

Tributes are flowing for the young boy, who was very well known in the local BMX scene.

“If you have participated in the Indiana State Series for the last few years, you’ll recognize Oliver’s name,” Fort Wayne BMX, another Indiana bike park, posted to Facebook.

“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.”

Oliver’s funeral is later this week, and mourners have been asked to plant a tree in his memory.