Bennett Community Mourns Tragic UTV Accident: A Heartbreaking Loss and Community Support
A tragic UTV accident in Bennett resulted in the death of a 7-year-old boy and a 9-year-old boy sustaining a broken leg. The incident occurred on private property while the boys were gathering materials for their tree house. First responders, including Bennett Fire and Rescue, Hickman Fire and Rescue, Star Care, and Lincoln Fire and Rescue, were on the scene, but unfortunately, the younger boy did not survive his injuries.
The 9-year-old boy, who was driving the UTV, was taken to the hospital with a broken leg. There is no age limit for driving such vehicles on private property, although manufacturers recommend a minimum age of 16. The boys were neighbors, not siblings, and another child who was with them rode to his mother to call 911 after the crash. The community is devastated by the tragedy, and counseling sessions are being arranged for first responders and those impacted by the incident.
District OR-1 Schools will be closed on Jan. 20, 2026, to allow the community to mourn the loss of the second-grade student from Bennet Elementary. The District OR-1 Crisis Team expressed their condolences to the student's family, friends, classmates, and staff during this challenging time. A crisis response team will be available at Bennet Elementary from noon to 3 p.m. for students and families seeking support, with professional counselors and psychologists present. Classes are set to resume on Wednesday, with ongoing counseling assistance accessible. For inquiries, contact the school at (402) 782-3535.
The tragic UTV accident in Bennett has left the community in mourning, with the loss of a young life and another child injured. The incident has deeply affected the families involved, as well as the first responders who were at the scene. The community is coming together to support each other during this difficult time, with counseling services being provided to those in need. Our thoughts are with the families and friends of the children involved in this heartbreaking event.