The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Department says a 7-year-old boy was killed when the UTV driven by his 9-year-old brother overturned on their property near 162nd and Bennet Road around 4:00 Monday afternoon.
“The boys were going to get tools and materials to work on their tree house,” LSO Chief Deputy Ben Houchin. He says the 7-year-old died at the scene and his brother suffered a broken leg. Houchin says the boys were heading to the tree house when the 9-year-old made a sharp turn, causing the UTV to roll.
A neighbor boy following on an ATV saw the crash and went to notify his mom, who then called 911. “The loss of a child is a pain no family should ever go through,” Houchin says. “We feel so horrible for the family and some of the first responders are having difficulties with this one.”
Houchin says while the minimum age to drive a UTV on public streets is 16, there is no age restrictions on private property. He thanked first responders from Bennet and Hickman Fire and Rescue, Lincoln Fire and Rescue and Star Care for their response. “Some of the first responders, as you can imagine are having difficulties with this one.”
He says counselors will be made available to them.