18-03-2025
6-year-old Texas boy visiting father on spring break dies after ATV crash in Joliet
JOLIET, Ill. (WGN) — With tears streaming down her face, Lucero Quezada on Monday mourned the tragic loss of her grandson in an ATV accident over the weekend.
'I'm very sad. I can't believe he is not here with us anymore,' Quezada said.
Six-year-old Jason Alvarado died Saturday, March 15, following an ATV crash in Joliet. Police believe Jason was driving a Rex110 ATV on the sidewalk between the 900 and 1000 block of Mission Boulevard when the vehicle lost control and struck a tree, causing his ejection.
Paramedics rushed Jason to St. Joseph Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead.
'I can't explain my feelings,' Quezada told WGN News. 'My love. My grandson. Mi guerito.'
Jason's grandmother explained that he loved playing soccer, Roblox, and spending time with his friends. The 6-year-old from Texas was visiting his father for the week in Joliet for spring break.
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'He was happy to be here,' Quezada said. 'We didn't know this would happen.'
An 8-year-old boy, who was uninjured, was the passenger.
According to Joliet Police Chief Bill Evans, neither of the children involved wore helmets.
'This ATV in question was 24 inches from the ground to the seat and about 143 pounds altogether. It was constructed to be a kid's ATV,' he said.
Evans reminded all parents that terrain vehicles can only reach speeds of up to 20 miles per hour and advised proper oversight when operating.
'There has to be some method of training,' Evans said. 'I wouldn't advise just putting a youngster on it.'
Evans also reiterated the importance of wearing protective clothing and helmets.
'Those kinds of things are very essential,' he said.
Just steps away from Jason's family home, a memorial of flowers, teddy bears, and candles remains at the scene of the tragic crash. Quezada said she and her family continue struggling with the devastation.
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'The most sweet boy I know,' she said. 'I'm very sad.'
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