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The Bellwood-Antis community is mourning the loss of a ninth grade student after a weekend bike accident.
Ian Ulrich, 14, encountered fresh grass clippings on Sandbank Road at 7:03 p.m. Saturday and lost control of the e-bike he was riding, according to a state police report. The bike fell onto its right side and Ulrich hit the pavement. He was transported by AMED to UPMC Altoona for treatment of severe injuries.
The Allegheny County Medical Examiner's office notified state police about 10 p.m. Sunday that the teen had died.
"This heartbreaking loss has deeply affected our school community," Superintendent Edward DiSabato wrote to Bellwood-Antis families and posted on Facebook.
"Our thoughts, prayers and heartfelt condolences are with Ian's family, friends, classmates and all who knew and loved him. The loss of a young life is difficult to comprehend, and we join together in mourning this tragedy," the letter states.
The Bellwood-Antis School District Crisis Intervention Team, school counselors and support staff are available to assist students and staff members who may need help processing the loss, he wrote.
DiSabato urged parents and guardians to talk openly with children, listen to their concerns and reassure them that it is OK to express their feelings.
"We ask that you keep Ian's family in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate this unimaginable loss," he said in the letter.
"The Bellwood-Antis community has always come together in difficult times, and we will do so again. We remain committed to supporting our students, staff and families as we grieve and heal together."
The state police report states Ulrich was operating a black Temu 749W electric dirt bike. In addition to AMED, Pinecroft and Bellwood fire departments assisted at the scene of the accident.
Mirror Staff Writer Colette Costlow is at 814-946-7414.