16-year-old Walnut boy dies after pickup hits tree

WALNUT – A 16-year-old rural Walnut boy was killed this morning when he lost control of his pickup truck and struck a tree north of Sheffield, the Bureau County sheriff said in a news release.

The boy, who was not identified, was alone in the truck. The crash happened around 9:45 a.m. at 645 E St., about a mile south of 2000 N. Ave.

He was taken to OSF St. Clare Hospital in Princeton, where he was pronounced dead, the release said.

Bureau Valley CUSD 340 Superintendent Jason R. Stabler issued a news release Thursday, confirming a student died in a car crash.

The district will offer crisis counseling at the school from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday and from 8 a.m. to noon Friday. Students may visit a counselor in-person or complete a form with the district for the counselor to follow up with them, Stabler said.

“Our district is committed to doing everything we can to help our students with the grieving and healing process. This loss will affect everyone in our school family and the Bureau Valley community. Students may have a difficult time dealing with the loss, and we encourage parents to talk with their child(ren) and for students to seek help if needed.”

Call the school at 815-445-4004 with questions regarding counseling.