13-Year-Old Boy Dies from Injuries Days After Fiery ATV Accident

In a tragic incident that has left a community in mourning, 13-year-old Lamonie Campbell has passed away following an ATV accident in Ohio. Lamonie was remembered by loved ones as “a fiercely loving big brother and son,” brought up by a single mother, amidst a backdrop of grief after their family’s recent loss of a father.

The accident took place on Saturday, June 20, in Milan Township, where Lamonie was riding as a passenger on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) driven by a 10-year-old boy. According to reports from various news outlets, the ATV was struck by a Toyota RAV4 while it was moving onto State Route 113 from a private road. The impact resulted in the ATV catching fire, and the SUV subsequently veered off the road, overturned, and collided with a utility pole.

Both boys were taken to hospital following the crash, but Lamonie succumbed to his injuries on Thursday, June 25. The authorities have not yet provided specific details regarding the condition of the 10-year-old, who has remained unnamed. Reports indicate that the driver of the SUV, a male resident of Berlin Heights, Ohio, was treated by first responders at the scene yet appeared to be uninjured.

In the wake of this devastating accident, a GoFundMe campaign was established to assist with medical and funeral expenses for Lamonie Campbell. As of the latest updates, the fundraiser has garnered over £9,000 towards its goal of £11,000. A friend and colleague of Lamonie’s mother, Tabatha Laskowski, provided updates through the fundraising platform, emphasizing the profound impact of this tragedy on their small family.

Laskowski expressed in her messages that while Lamonie remained connected to medical equipment, he had been legally declared deceased. She wrote, “We know it is likely a matter of time before he departs from us, and in the meantime we are doing everything we can to care for and honour him.” The fundraiser will now direct all funds towards covering funeral costs following the devastating news.

Describing Lamonie as “a terrific young man, always polite and kind to others,” Laskowski highlighted the additional struggles faced by his mother, Paige, who is now navigating life as a single parent to three boys. She noted that their family was already grieving the loss of a beloved father, which has deepened the emotional toll of Lamonie’s passing. The fundraiser aims to provide much-needed support for Paige during this incredibly challenging time.

In the aftermath of the accident, authorities temporarily closed State Route 113 for nearly two hours to facilitate investigations and clear the scene. The Ohio State Highway Patrol has not yet commented on the incident, though community members and local organisations have expressed their condolences and support to Lamonie’s family.

This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with ATV usage and underscores the need for safety awareness in such recreational activities. Friends, family, and the wider community are coming together to pay tribute to Lamonie’s life and to support his family during their time of grief.

The outpouring of love and financial contributions following Lamonie’s death demonstrates the profound impact he had on those around him. His family and friends are left to remember a beloved boy who was seen not just as a child, but as an integral part of their lives, embodying kindness and love that resonated with everyone he encountered.