Motorcycle Accident with 4-year-old

I debated whether to post this one. It's another sad one after the baby deaths.

The East Peoria man arrested in connection with his four-year-old son's death will not face charges in Peoria County. 21-year-old Michael Wells was in jail over the weekend facing a felony charge of aggravated reckless driving and several other lesser charges.

The Peoria County Coroner says his son Ashton was riding his bicycle when his father, who was on a motorcycle, struck him. It happened in the parking lot of Hundman Lumber yard in Peoria. Police say the father was doing tricks with the motorcycle. The Peoria County State's Attorney's office did not return a call for comment.

PJStar.com Article

Michael Wells, a recreational motorcyclist, got together with friends to perform stunts on their bikes in the parking lot of the lumber yard off Allen Road. Ashton Wells was allowed to come along for the first time on Saturday and was riding his bike when he crossed paths with his father's motorcycle.

"It was a freak accident," said the 4-year-old's mother, Holly Blanch, who witnessed the collision. "Michael's son was everything to him, and he would have never done anything on purpose to hurt him."

Blanch said family members spent Monday hugging and crying but also finishing arrangements for Ashton Well's funeral on Friday, his father's 22nd birthday. "He was my best friend," Michael Wells said. "We did everything together. If I could take his spot, I would."

This is just awful. I can hardly stand to read it. My condolences to the entire family.

-NewsAnchorMom Jen

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