Identity of Utah boy killed by truck released; family releases statement

WEST JORDAN, Utah — Police say a 50-year-old man has been arrested after a 13-year-old boy was hit and killed by a truck Tuesday evening.

Officials with the West Jordan Police Department identified the victim on Wednesday as Eli Mitchell, of West Jordan. His family released the following statement Wednesday:

The family and friends of Eli Mitchell grieve following his death on April 26, 2022, due to a tragic auto-bicycle accident in West Jordan, Utah. Eli, age 13, was riding his bicycle home after buying treats at a local grocery store.

Eli was a kind, loving, jovial and friendly young man who had many friends. At the time of his death, he was doing two of his favorite things: riding his bicycle and having treats. Eli also loved outdoor activities including snowboarding, riding ATV’s, camping, video games, airsoft wars and activities with his friends. He was an avid reader and adults around him often had to look up words he used. Spending time with his family was so important to him. He was very close to his 16-year-old sister.

While grieving, the family takes comfort in knowing that we all see Eli again. Eli was a person of great faith for his age. Hopefully others will benefit from this tragedy as Eli was an organ donor.

Parents Jeremy and Lisa Mitchell, and the entire family, wish to express gratitude to the bystanders who tried to revive Eli along with the outstanding service beyond the call of duty from the West Jordan Police Department and paramedics. We will be forever grateful to the many unknown individuals who tried to assist him and recognize this likely had an impact on them. We also express appreciation for the great outpouring of support and sympathy from the community.

The family requests privacy during this time of mourning.

Mitchell was a student at West Jordan Middle School. Administrators and staff released a statement about the fatal collision Wednesday:

“Dear WJMS Community,

Sadly, one of our students, Eli Mitchell, died tragically in an accident last night. Eli is a beloved member of our school and will be dearly missed. Our hearts are with Eli’s family, friends, and loved ones at this difficult time.

Counselors have been available at West Jordan Middle to meet with students who are struggling with this loss and will continue to be available at the school.

Parents and caregivers are a child’s most important resource and support as they cope with difficult emotions connected with grief and loss. Connection, understanding, and empathy are what a child needs most. We are partnered with you in supporting your child through this difficult time.

If you or any of your children are feeling overwhelmed with sadness or grief or are in need of additional support, please call the 24/7 crisis line at 801-587-3000 for immediate aid. For additional resources, please visit wellness.jordandistrict.org.

Again, we are very saddened by this loss. Eli will always be a part of our school family. Please know that our school family is always here to support you and your family, especially during this difficult time.”

Sincerely,

West Jordan Middle Administration & Staff”

Police said Mason Andrews Ohms, of Saratoga Springs, was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail on charges of automobile homicide and leaving the scene of a crash involving a fatality.

Officers credited witnesses for the tips and information that helped lead investigators to the suspect.

“We sincerely appreciate all the witnesses who supplied the information necessary to bring Mr. Ohms to justice. We know Mr. Ohms’ arrest will not bring back this lost child to his grieving family; however, we hope it allows them to have some closure,” said WJPD officer Samuel Winkler.

Teen struck, killed by car while on bicycle; suspect found, arrested

 

The crash happened at the intersection of 1510 West and 9000 South around 6 p.m. Tuesday. Officers say Eli told his parents he was riding his bike to a store to pick up a treat when he was struck.

Emergency crews arrived and transported Eli to the Intermountain Medical Center, where he died from his injuries.

Police say witnesses also rushed in to help Eli and took down the truck’s license plate. Officers located Ohms in Saratoga Springs around 2.5 hours later and took him into custody.

Jordan School District officials say grief counselors and extra support will be available for students and teachers at West Jordan Middle School, where Eli attended classes.

KSL TV’s Morgan Wolfe spoke with Tiffany Bloomquist, a family friend of the Mitchell family. She lost a family member in a tragic crash and said her heart is breaking for the family.

“I just want them to know I am so sorry for their loss,” Bloomquist said Wednesday at a memorial for Eli. “It makes you out things in hyper focus. Those who mean something to you, mean even more.”

A GoFundMe page* has been set up to help the Mitchell family cover funeral costs.

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*KSL-TV does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.