An off-road vehicle accident on Friday evening claimed the life of a Louisville elementary school student

Illinois State Police Troop 9 investigated a traffic accident involving an ATV (side-by-side). It occurred Friday night around 10 p.m. and resulted in the death of a young student at North Clay Grade School.

State police responded to County Road 1150 North, which is about a quarter mile east of 2175 North near Clay City. During the incident, 12-year-old Caide Weidner was ejected from the vehicle and suffered a serious head injury.

In addition to the state police, the Clay County Sheriff’s Department and the Clay City Fire Department also arrived at the scene. Weidner was taken by ambulance to Clay County Hospital and later flown by helicopter to a St. Louis hospital. He succumbed to his injuries on Sunday afternoon.

As a show of support, the North Clay community gathered for a vigil in front of the elementary school on Saturday evening, attended by about 125 people.

To assist the Weidner/Rinehart family with expenses, The Fair Lady and the Krazy Snow Kone and Candy Factory will be stationed at the Louisville Collision Center tonight from 5-9 p.m. Half of all proceeds, as well as 100% of tips collected, will be donated to the family.

Funeral arrangements for Caide Weidner are underway at McGriff Funeral Home in Louisville.