A Blair County community is mourning the death of 14-year-old Ian K. Ulrich, a Bellwood-Antis High School freshman who died after losing control of an electric bike on a roadway in Antis Township.
The crash happened Saturday evening along Sandbank Road, near Frito Lane. Ian was traveling north when the electric bike he was riding went through fresh grass clippings on the road, according to information released by Pennsylvania State Police.
Police said the bike lost traction and Ian fell onto the pavement. He suffered serious injuries and was taken to UPMC Altoona, where he later died.
Local reporting citing the state police crash report said Ian was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.
News of his death has been felt deeply at Bellwood-Antis High School, where Ian was a ninth-grade student. The school district described the loss as heartbreaking and extended its condolences to his family, friends, classmates, teachers and others who knew him.
The district has made its Crisis Intervention Team, counselors and other support staff available for students and employees dealing with the loss.
Ian’s life outside the classroom was also reflected in information released by his family. His obituary says he attended honors classes and participated in the school’s STEM program. He enjoyed riding dirt bikes, fishing, bowling and playing video games.
Family and friends will have an opportunity to gather in Bellwood later this week. Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 1, from 2 to 4 p.m. and again from 6 to 8 p.m. at Jon C. Russin Funeral Home. Additional visitation is scheduled from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 2.
As Ian’s family prepares to say goodbye, the Bellwood-Antis community is being encouraged to support students and others affected by the teenager’s death.
