By Jason Arndt
Staff Writer
Nicole Lootans would be starting her freshman year at Westosha Central High School Thursday.
But, a tragic motocross accident Sunday in Rockford took the opportunity away from her, according to the Rockford Register-Star.
The Register-Star reports the 14-year-old was unresponsive when family members found her pinned beneath her bike at Rocky Glen OHV Park at about 1:25 p.m.
In a Winnebago County Coroner’s Office press release obtained by the Westosha Report, Lootans had been transported to Rockford Memorial Hospital, where she was pronounced dead at 1:58 p.m.
The family of the 14-year-old set up a GoFundMe account to aid in funeral and burial costs. It has been shared 676 times since its launch Tuesday, raising more than $4,000.
The page states Lootans recently graduated eighth grade at Wheatland Center School, had a love for motocross riding, and states she was close with her family that included her brother, Zachary.
Wheatland Center School’s District Administrator Marty McGinley said her death has been felt around the school.
“The Wheatland School community is feeling the immeasurable loss of one of our own,” McGinley said. “She was a sweet and caring soul that was always trying to help those around her.”
Like McGinley, the GoFundMe page conveyed an equal sentiment.
“She was truly the sweetest girl who always had a hug for everyone in her life. She always smiled and loved life,” the GoFundMe page stated. “She was her brother Zachary’s best friend. The two of them were 1 yr apart and did everything together! The love her parents have for her is bigger than life.”
McGinley extended condolences to the Lootans family, and reached out to officials at Westosha Central and Wilmot Union high schools.
Counselors will be on hand to assist the family and those affected by her loss.
“Her positive personality was a comfort and blessing to those she encountered,” McGinley said.
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