Reese Ramsey, a star student-athlete at Pikeland School, lost her life in a tragic accident at the untimely age of 15.
The 15-year-old resident of Pittsfield, Illinois, Reese Ramsey, passed away in an auto accident on Tuesday on the 106 route in Pike County.
While the police initially didn’t identify those involved in the tragic accident, Pikeland Community School District confirmed through their social media post that it was their freshman student-athlete, Reese Ramsey.
Pikeland School’s Superintendent Todd Fox released a statement writing:
“It is with a heavy heart that I share devastating news with you about the sudden and tragic passing of one of our students, Reese Ramsey. There are no words that can fully express the sorrow and pain we feel as a school community.Please keep the family of Reese Ramsey, those who were injured, and all who are affected in your thoughts and prayers. I will provide further updates as needed, but for now…we grieve together and stand united as a school family.”
He further added that in the coming days, the school will have counseling and resources available for anyone in need, not just for students but also for parents if additional support is needed.
Moreover, to mourn the tragic loss of their star student, Pikeland canceled all classes on Wednesday.
According to reports, the State Police investigated the three-vehicle crash at Illinois 106 just east of 335th Street in Pittsfield on February 11 at around 6:21 p.m.
The preliminary investigation revealed that a black 2016 Chevrolet Silverado was traveling east on Illinois-106 behind an orange 2010 Case Magnum Truck Tractor, while a silver 2014 Jeep was traveling west on Illinois-106 in the opposite direction.
Likewise, the Silverado tried to pass the tractor but collided head-on with the Jeep. The impact caused both the Silverado and the Jeep to crash into the tractor, overturning it.
S/o to our girls making the all tournament team and to @Kenziekass32 for getting tournament MVP in the brown country classic. @FriedenMadison @REESE_RAMSEY_15 @jadynclimer pic.twitter.com/YpL3btJX9E
— Mr. and Mrs. 25/8 (@258Mentality) December 3, 2024
Three people, including the Silverado driver Eric Harris, a 72-year-old man from Springfield, Illinois, the Jeep driver, a female juvenile, and the passenger, also a female juvenile, were hospitalized with serious injuries.
The Pikeland school later confirmed that the two seriously injured female juveniles were their students, Lincoln McCartney and Deeghan Allen.
Lincoln was transferred to Childen’s Hospital in St. Louis. She underwent a procedure to repair and restore a scalp injury and is currently in stable condition.
At the same time, Deegan was admitted to St. John’s in Springfield, where she underwent two successful surgeries to repair a broken bone in her neck and a skull.
Alongside Reese Ramsey, the Silverado passenger, a 68-year-old female from Pittsfield, also lost her life in the tragic incident.
The whole Pittsfield community mourns the tragic demise of Reese Ramsey and the 68-year-old woman.
Remembering Reese Ramsey: A rising basketball star gone too soon
The late Reese Ramsey, a basketball star from Pikeland School’s class of 2028, won the hearts of millions with her exceptional sports skills.
Despite being just a freshman, wearing the jersey no. 15, Reese made a name for herself as one of the most talented young athletes in the region.
Moreover, her passion for the game and her remarkable skills and determination set her apart on the court.
Reese’s basketball journey began at a very young age; she dominated the junior high level.
She scored over 1000 career points and led the Pikeland IESA team to a state championship.
Similarly, as a freshman on Pikeland’s girl’s varsity team, Saukees, Reese Ramsey Quickly became the team’s driving force.
She averaged an impressive 18.6 points per game while contributing steals rebounds, and assists in the 24-25 season.
Congratulations @REESE_RAMSEY_15 on winning the MVP award of the Lady Tiger Classic. pic.twitter.com/kta5cnO0om
— Mr. and Mrs. 25/8 (@258Mentality) January 2, 2025
Moreover, she was a four-time IESA state record holder, two-time IESA state champion, and two-time All-State champion.
Just last week, she dropped 30 points in a game; Reese wasn’t just an exceptional player but also an inspiration to those who watched her play.
She also became the Tournament MVP on December 31, 2024, as displayed on Pikeland’s official Facebook page.
The impact she made in her short time on the court will live on in the memories of her teammates, coaches, and the basketball community.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- The Quincy Public School has requested everyone to support the Pikeland School District community by wearing red on Thursday, February 13, to honor the memory of the late Reese Ramsey.
- Information about her funeral service is yet to be revealed by the family members.
