The Hebron schools had grief counselors on hand Monday as the small district grappled with the death of Oliver Ball-Reed, 13, of Hebron, who died Saturday night from injuries suffered at Steel Wheels BMX in Hobart.

Oliver was involved in basketball, eSports and student council at Hebron Middle School.

“The Hebron Schools community is heartbroken by the loss of Oliver Ball-Reed,” MSD Boone Township Superintendent Jeff Brooks said. “In a small town like Hebron, a loss like this is devastating for family, friends, staff and students alike.”

Oliver was taken to the St. Mary Medical Center emergency room in Hobart, where a doctor pronounced him dead at 9:59 p.m., according to the Lake County Coroner’s Office. Oliver suffered multiple blunt force injuries and his death was ruled an accident, officials said.

An autopsy was planned for Monday.

On its Facebook page, Steel Wheels BMX offered thoughts and prayers to Oliver’s parents and his younger brother, with whom Oliver raced 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 post said.

A Hebron boy, 13, died after he suffered injuries Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, at Steel Wheels BMX track in Hobart, officials said. (Carole Carlson/for Post-Tribune)

“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,” the Facebook post said.

Oliver was an active student at Hebron Middle School, the superintendent said.

“Oliver was a vibrant, active and well-respected 13-year-old who gave so much to our school. He was involved in basketball, eSports and was a member of our Student Council at Hebron Middle School. We will miss him deeply, and our thoughts are with his family and everyone who loved him,” Brooks said.

“Today has been an incredibly heavy day at Hebron Middle School and across the school district. We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the counselors and support teams from Porter-Starke, First Church and Heartland Church. These specialists have been on-site alongside our own guidance counselors, offering a steady hand to our students and staff during one of our most difficult times.”

The Steel Wheels BMX website had Oliver in 23rd place on its leaderboard, listing his skill level as cruiser.

The group describes itself as a volunteer, nonprofit organization that began in 2000. It has USABMX-sanctioned tracks in Hobart and at Imagination Glen East park in Portage. The Portage track is outdoors; the Hobart track is indoors.

The Hobart Police Department and Hobart and Portage Fire departments responded to the accident.

Doug Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/02/hebron-middle-school-student-13-dies-from-bmx-injuries/