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. An emergency room physician pronounced him deceased at 9:59 p.m.
The coroner reported that Oliver suffered multiple blunt force injuries, and the manner of death has been ruled an accident.
Steel Wheels BMX released a statement on Sunday confirming Oliver’s passing and sharing heartfelt condolences with 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 are with his parents, Mary and Phil, and his younger brother Ellis, who raced alongside him for the past eight years. We are devastated by this tragic loss and will do everything we can to support Oliver’s family as they face this sudden and heartbreaking moment.”
The organization added that it has remained in close contact with the family and expressed gratitude to the community for respecting their privacy. “As we process this unimaginable news, we are thankful for the love and support from our BMX community, which has surrounded Oliver’s family — and our track family — with care 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. The Hobart facility hosts races, clinics, practice nights, and special events throughout the winter season.
BMX organizations across the country have shared messages of support following the tragedy. Fort Wayne BMX extended its “most heartfelt condolences to the riders and families 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 about the circumstances of the accident have been released.