Madison Twp, OH (May 13, 2025) – A tragic collision claimed the life of a young boy from Wellsville on Saturday evening when he was struck by a pickup truck while riding his bicycle along State Route 7 in Madison Township, Columbiana County.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) Lisbon Post confirmed that the crash occurred at approximately 5:40 p.m. near milepost 13 on SR 7. According to investigators, the child was entering the roadway from a private drive when he was hit by a pickup truck driven by a man from Lisbon, OH.
Emergency responders arrived swiftly and transported the child to East Liverpool Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased. Authorities have not yet released the identity of the juvenile out of respect for the family and to allow time for proper notifications.
As of this report, the incident remains under active investigation by OSHP. No citations have been issued, and officials are continuing to evaluate all contributing factors, including driver visibility, speed, and roadway conditions at the time of the crash.
We extend our deepest condolences to the child’s family, friends, and the Wellsville community during this unimaginable time of grief.
Bicycle Safety and Child Fatalities on Ohio Roadways
Bicycle-related fatalities involving children are among the most heartbreaking types of roadway incidents. In rural and semi-rural areas like Madison Township, where driveways often open directly onto state highways such as SR 7, the risks are especially elevated. Children, even when supervised, can quickly find themselves in the path of oncoming traffic, and drivers often have little time to react.
Saturday’s fatal crash highlights the importance of enhanced visibility, public awareness, and safer road access points for families living near major roadways. It also underscores the critical need for drivers to remain alert in areas where homes and driveways line high-speed routes.
In Ohio, initiatives continue to promote child bicycle safety, including helmet programs, community bike rodeos, and driver education campaigns. However, even with these measures in place, tragic outcomes still occur—particularly when roadway design and traffic speed do not account for the presence of vulnerable users like children on bicycles.
For grieving families, the aftermath of such a tragedy includes not only emotional devastation but also complex legal and medical questions. In many cases, community outreach and professional guidance are necessary to help families process the loss and determine any further steps.
If your family or someone you know has experienced a tragedy involving a child cyclist, know that compassionate support is available.
At Local Accident Reports, we are dedicated to helping families through the most difficult times by providing accurate updates and connecting them with grief resources, legal support, and counseling services. Reach out today to find out how we can help you and your loved ones after a life-altering event like this.