12-year-old boy tragically dies in ATV accident

BUTLER COUNTY, Pa. — A community is mourning after a 12-year-old boy died in an ATV accident Sunday afternoon.

Investigators said Lucas Leone was riding alone in a cornfield off Wick Rod in Mercer Township, Butler County Sunday afternoon when he lost control of his ATV.

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"He wasn't able to complete the turn. He drifted toward the wood line and the vehicle hit a stump, causing it to overturn,” said Pennsylvania State Trooper Dan Kesten.

State police told Channel 11 News that the boy’s father found his son after the ATV rolled on top of him.

“The boy’s father went out looking for him and ended up finding him,” Kesten said.

Kesten said Lucas wasn’t wearing his safety gear, including a helmet.

Paramedics rushed Lucas to an area hospital, where he passed away.

On Monday, the superintendent of Slippery Rock Area School District released this statement: "Lucas was a sixth grade student at Slippery Rock Middle School. He was a well-liked and charismatic young man."

State police say the investigation is almost complete. They say this is a good time for parents to talk to kids about the dangers of riding alone and wearing safety gear.

"People can use this as a reminder to stop, talk to their children, warn them of the dangers of what can potentially happen,” Kesten said.

WPXI