13-Year-Old Rider Dies Following Tragic Accident at Steel Wheels BMX in Hobart
HOBART — The Northwest Indiana BMX community is mourning the loss of 13-year-old Oliver Ball-Reed of Hebron following a tragic accident Saturday night at Steel Wheels BMX in Hobart.
According to the Lake County Coroner’s Office, emergency responders were notified at approximately 10:24 p.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2026, after Oliver was transported from the track to St. Mary’s Medical Center under full police escort. He was pronounced deceased at 9:59 p.m. by an emergency room physician.
The coroner reported that Oliver sustained multiple blunt force injuries. The manner of death has been ruled an accident.
Steel Wheels BMX released a statement Sunday confirming Oliver’s passing and expressing deep condolences to his family.
“Today, our Steel Wheels BMX community is mourning the loss of one of our riders: 13-year-old Oliver Ball-Reed of Hebron, Ind., who sustained critical injuries at the track on Saturday,” the organization said. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to his parents, Mary and Phil, as well as his younger brother Ellis, 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 organization added that it has remained in ongoing communication with the family and thanked the community for respecting their privacy. “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.”
Steel Wheels BMX is a volunteer-run, nonprofit organization founded in 2000 by parents seeking a safe environment for children to ride and race BMX bikes. The organization operates two USA BMX-sanctioned tracks: a 40,000-square-foot indoor facility in Hobart and an outdoor track at Imagination Glen in Portage, according to the website. The Hobart facility hosts races, clinics, practice nights, and special events during the winter season.
BMX organizations across the country have shared messages of support following the tragedy. Fort Wayne BMX extended “most heartfelt condolences to the riders and families that are most affected,” while The Hill in Elgin said its “hearts and prayers are with the young rider’s family during this unfathomable time.”
Multiple agencies responded to the incident, including the Hobart Police Department, Hobart Fire Department, and Portage Fire Department.
No additional details regarding the circumstances of the accident have been released.
