Tragic Four‑Wheeler Accident Claims Life of 14‑Year‑Old in Monroe County

On the early morning of July 25, just after the sunrise had barely nudged the sky, a sorrowful scene unfolded on Bacon Road in Summerfield Township, Monroe County. A 2007 Honda TRX250 four‑wheeler, driven southbound by a 14‑year‑old from Dundee, clipped the passenger side of a 2013 Chevrolet Traverse as the family vehicle was pulling out of a private driveway.

Inside the SUV were a 54‑year‑old and a 57‑year‑old from Petersburg, both buckled up and, fortunately, unharmed. The airbags, however, never deployed – a detail that police noted but said didn’t affect the outcome.

The impact threw the two teenage riders from the four‑wheeler. The younger teen, the 14‑year‑old, suffered injuries that were instantly fatal; first responders pronounced him dead at the scene. The 17‑year‑old passenger, also from Petersburg, was rushed to Toledo’s Promedica Hospital where he remains in critical condition.

Deputies Alec Preadmore and Hunter Chirillo of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office’s Traffic Services Division are leading the investigation. While the exact cause—speed, visibility, or other factors—has yet to be determined, officials are piecing together witness statements and vehicle data to understand what went wrong.

If you have any information about the crash, even something that seems minor, the sheriff’s office asks you to call 734‑240‑7541. Anonymous tips are also welcome through Crime Stoppers at 1‑800‑SPEAKUP or via their online tip portal.

This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with off‑road vehicles, especially when sharing the road with larger, heavier traffic. Community members are urged to practice extra caution, wear proper safety gear, and stay alert at all times.