Ashton 15-year-old dies, two other teens injured in UTV rollover

ASHTON – A 15-year-old Ashton-Franklin Center High School student was killed and two others injured in a UTV rollover shortly after 5:15 p.m. Thursday on Hoosier Road just north of Naylor Road, between Ashton and Franklin Grove.

The UTV driver was northbound on Hoosier, lost control and rolled, striking a pole, Lee County Sheriff John Simonton said in a news release.

Calvin Messer of Ashton was killed, and Brock Lehman and Caleb Thomas, both of Franklin Grove, were hospitalized in Peoria with unknown injuries, AFC Superintendent Michael Lindy said Friday.

Messer was pronounced dead at 6:20 p.m. at Rochelle Community Hospital. There will be no autopsy, the Ogle County Coroner’s Office said.

The driver and passengers were not identified in the release.

Thomas remained at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, while Lehman no longer is hospitalized there, a spokeswoman said early Friday afternoon. A message seeking information on Thomas’ condition has not yet been returned.

All three boys would be sophomores, and all participated in the school’s athletic programs, Lindy said.

Although school no longer is in session, counselors are on hand for any students, staff or community members who need them, Lindy said.

Ashton United Methodist Church will hold a prayer vigil for Messer, son of Mike and Stacey Messer, at 3 p.m. Saturday at the gazebo in front of the church at 906 N. Richardson Ave.

Calvin Messer played football for the Raiders. Participants are encouraged to wear the school colors, gold and black.