M.V. Mourns Loss Of Boy In ATV Accident

By VERNON ROBISON

Moapa Valley Progress

Moapa Valley residents mourned with a local family last week when news spread that a young Logandale boy was killed in an ATV accident.

Scott Hill II, age 10, was on his way to a Cub Scout meeting on Wednesday, October 21, when he crashed his ATV coming down a hill on a dirt trail near the Bowman Reservoir. He apparently became trapped when the vehicle landed on top of him.

When the young boy did not return home after the meeting, his father went out looking for him. The father found the boy trapped and called 911. Rescue crews quickly responded at around 6 p.m. but were unable to resuscitate the boy at the scene.

As news of the accident spread through the community, the hearts of neighbors, friends and even total strangers went out to young Scottie’s family.
“These kinds of emergency calls are always hard for us,” said Mike Otero, Chief of Logandale Volunteer Fire Station #73, one of the emergency personnel to respond to the call. “People don’t realize it, but it is especially hard when it is your friend or neighbor. And in Moapa Valley we are all one community family. So it is hard.”

Many people hearing of the accident immediately felt a need to do something to show support and love for the boy’s family. On Thursday afternoon, nearly 100 local residents gathered in the Logandale Fairgrounds parking lot for a Memorial Gathering. The group walked from the fairground parking lot north up Skyline Drive and tied hundreds of blue ribbons to trees, light poles and fence posts along the way to show support for Scottie’s family who lives in the general neighborhood.

Logandale resident Elizabeth Eddie, who organized the gathering admitted that she did not know the boy’s family. But she said that she wanted to do something to show love and support.
“My heart just went out to this family,” Eddie said. “I have children that same age and they like to go out and ride their ATVs, too, like a lot of kids in this valley. It struck me that this is something that could happen to any of them and it is just so sad.”

The news also took a toll on the Ute Perkins Elementary School community where Hill attended as a fourth grader. The fourth grade students at Perkins were taken aside on Thursday at school and allowed to express themselves through making cards for the family, writing notes about their friend or creating posters in memory of Hill. Counselors were also available to talk with students about their sadness and grief at losing their friend.

On Thursday evening, the Perkins Parent Teacher Organization donated all of the proceeds from its concession sales at the Youth Soccer games, to the Hill family to help pay for funeral arrangements. The PTO was able to raise nearly $1500 from the sale in that one night.

A candlelight vigil was organized and held on Sunday, October 25 at the Grant Bowler Park in Logandale. Around 150 people came to the park to light candles, sing songs and remember the young boy.

Perkins principal Hal Mortensen shared some thoughts and feelings from teachers and staff members at the school about their experiences with Scottie. The rememberances were full of statements like “…he was full of life, smiles and hugs…”; “…always full of energy and ready to play, even with his cowboy boots on..”; “…a friend to everyone…”; “…I remember his big heart, sweet spirit and engaging smile.”

The microphone was open for a time to allow members of the audience to share memories of Hill.
“Scottie became the wonderful kid he was because, no matter what, he knew he would be loved at home,” said Perkins teacher Suzie Jones. “It was his loving and supportive family; his parents and sister; who helped make him who he was.”

Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 11:00 am in the LDS Logandale Chapel. A memorial account has been set up at America First Credit Union to help the family. Donations can be made to account number 9079328.