RIP Ashton Wells
10-07-2008, 11:19 AM
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RIP Ashton Wells
didn't know if this was anyone on here or if someone knew him.
PEORIA — Just after learning his 4-year-old son was dead and just before he was taken into police custody, Michael Wells cried in his mother's lap.
"He said, 'Mom, I just want to go home to my son, but he's not going to be there,'" a sobbing Crystal Wells said Sunday evening of her 21-year-old son.
Michael Wells was performing a wheelie on his motorcycle in the parking lot of Hundman Lumber, 2601 W. Altorfer Drive, about 5:30 p.m. Saturday when he struck his son, Ashton, who was riding a bicycle nearby.
The East Peoria man, a forklift driver by trade, was arrested later Saturday evening for aggravated reckless driving and operating a motorcycle on one wheel, among other charges.
He said goodbye to his dead son while wearing handcuffs, Crystal Wells said.
"He looked at me and said, 'Mom, this was an accident. I would have traded places with him and taken my own life before I let my son be hurt,'" she recalled.
Michael Wells, a recreational motorcyclist, and friends occasionally got together with friends to perform stunts on their bikes, Crystal Wells said. They were given permission months ago to practice their tricks in the parking lot of the lumber yard near the Allen Road Wal-Mart Supercenter, she said.
Ashton, who looked up to his dad, always wanted to come along, but Michael Wells hadn't allowed it before Saturday. The boy's mother, Holly Blanch, and several other spectators tagged along to watch Saturday's practice. The energetic 4-year-old was given a bit of free rein on his bike.
According to Crystal Wells, her grandson was riding his bike at the opposite end of the lumber yard parking lot while his dad performed his stunts. Excited to finally be free of training wheels and even more excited about being with his dad, the boy darted toward his father before Blanch could catch him - and before Michael Wells had a chance to react.
His first instinct, Crystal Wells said, was to rush his injured son to the nearest medical help he could find - Methodist MedPointe on North Knoxville Avenue, 2 1/2 miles away. When they arrived, Ashton Wells had a pulse and was breathing but was immediately transported by ambulance to OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 6:20 p.m.
Police went to the hospital and escorted Michael Wells back to the scene of the accident for questioning. He was arrested at the scene shortly thereafter and was driven back to the hospital in handcuffs to view his son's body.
The two were inseparable, Crystal Wells said. Six months ago, Michael Wells had "Ashton" tattooed on his wrist, which he nervously rubbed at the hospital while waiting to hear his son's condition. A protective father, Michael Wells wouldn't let his son ride his bike outside the yard.
"He was a grieving father who didn't have time to comprehend what happened," Crystal Wells said while dabbing her eyes with a nearly empty roll of toilet paper and smiling at a sea of pictures spread across the kitchen table in her Peoria home. "My son needs to be with his family. He is a grieving father, not a criminal."
Michael Wells will made his first appearance before a judge yesterday. An autopsy on the boy was also scheduled for yesterday.
PEORIA — Just after learning his 4-year-old son was dead and just before he was taken into police custody, Michael Wells cried in his mother's lap.
"He said, 'Mom, I just want to go home to my son, but he's not going to be there,'" a sobbing Crystal Wells said Sunday evening of her 21-year-old son.
Michael Wells was performing a wheelie on his motorcycle in the parking lot of Hundman Lumber, 2601 W. Altorfer Drive, about 5:30 p.m. Saturday when he struck his son, Ashton, who was riding a bicycle nearby.
The East Peoria man, a forklift driver by trade, was arrested later Saturday evening for aggravated reckless driving and operating a motorcycle on one wheel, among other charges.
He said goodbye to his dead son while wearing handcuffs, Crystal Wells said.
"He looked at me and said, 'Mom, this was an accident. I would have traded places with him and taken my own life before I let my son be hurt,'" she recalled.
Michael Wells, a recreational motorcyclist, and friends occasionally got together with friends to perform stunts on their bikes, Crystal Wells said. They were given permission months ago to practice their tricks in the parking lot of the lumber yard near the Allen Road Wal-Mart Supercenter, she said.
Ashton, who looked up to his dad, always wanted to come along, but Michael Wells hadn't allowed it before Saturday. The boy's mother, Holly Blanch, and several other spectators tagged along to watch Saturday's practice. The energetic 4-year-old was given a bit of free rein on his bike.
According to Crystal Wells, her grandson was riding his bike at the opposite end of the lumber yard parking lot while his dad performed his stunts. Excited to finally be free of training wheels and even more excited about being with his dad, the boy darted toward his father before Blanch could catch him - and before Michael Wells had a chance to react.
His first instinct, Crystal Wells said, was to rush his injured son to the nearest medical help he could find - Methodist MedPointe on North Knoxville Avenue, 2 1/2 miles away. When they arrived, Ashton Wells had a pulse and was breathing but was immediately transported by ambulance to OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 6:20 p.m.
Police went to the hospital and escorted Michael Wells back to the scene of the accident for questioning. He was arrested at the scene shortly thereafter and was driven back to the hospital in handcuffs to view his son's body.
The two were inseparable, Crystal Wells said. Six months ago, Michael Wells had "Ashton" tattooed on his wrist, which he nervously rubbed at the hospital while waiting to hear his son's condition. A protective father, Michael Wells wouldn't let his son ride his bike outside the yard.
"He was a grieving father who didn't have time to comprehend what happened," Crystal Wells said while dabbing her eyes with a nearly empty roll of toilet paper and smiling at a sea of pictures spread across the kitchen table in her Peoria home. "My son needs to be with his family. He is a grieving father, not a criminal."
Michael Wells will made his first appearance before a judge yesterday. An autopsy on the boy was also scheduled for yesterday.
10-07-2008, 11:25 AM
#2
Mr. Sexy! AdrenalineBoyz
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Re: RIP Ashton Wells
sad stuff bro. Ive got a 3 year old and couldnt even imagine this happening! He love coming to watch me ride at the spot too! After seeing this I think things are gonna change a bit for me!
RIP Little man I will be praying for you and the fam!
RIP Little man I will be praying for you and the fam!
10-07-2008, 11:28 AM
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Re: RIP Ashton Wells
Here is the update as of last night.
http://www.week.com/news/local/30538479.html
A 21 year old father involved in the death of his son has been released from jail without charge.
Michael Wells was riding his motorcycle in a parking lot over the weekend, and ran into his four year old son, Ashton. The East Peoria boy died of multiple injuries.
Peoria County Assistant State's Attorney Steve Patelli said there was no indication of intent to cause harm on Wells' part, and that there was no indication Wells had been drinking.
Patelli said a further investigation will determine if Wells will face reckless driving charges. Prosecutors have 30 days to bring charge Wells.
http://www.week.com/news/local/30538479.html
A 21 year old father involved in the death of his son has been released from jail without charge.
Michael Wells was riding his motorcycle in a parking lot over the weekend, and ran into his four year old son, Ashton. The East Peoria boy died of multiple injuries.
Peoria County Assistant State's Attorney Steve Patelli said there was no indication of intent to cause harm on Wells' part, and that there was no indication Wells had been drinking.
Patelli said a further investigation will determine if Wells will face reckless driving charges. Prosecutors have 30 days to bring charge Wells.
10-07-2008, 11:32 AM
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Re: RIP Ashton Wells
This pisses me off more then anything. This young man was in a parking lot that he had permission to be in. A horrible accident occurred and he lost his child. Now the ******* state wants to try him as a criminal. What about these harley guys that get completely blitzed at bike nights and then hop on there bikes and ride out. Prayers go out to the family and friends this man and his son.
10-07-2008, 12:09 PM
#6
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Re: RIP Ashton Wells
This is probably the saddest thing I've ever heard. I've been thinking about it ever since I read the first thread.
I have my own little boy and all the time I think aout how I would like to see him ride a wheelie like a champ one day.
Now I don't even want him to be around me when I ride nor anyone else for that matter just because I couldn't bare the thought of hurting anyone (especialy loved ones) while doing something thats just a quick thrill for myself .
My prayers go out to Ashton and of course his family I can't imagine how they all feel.
This is the worst way for a HUGE eye opener to come across for people on this forum (and myself) to watch out and expect the worst. Everyone should remember this......
I have my own little boy and all the time I think aout how I would like to see him ride a wheelie like a champ one day.
Now I don't even want him to be around me when I ride nor anyone else for that matter just because I couldn't bare the thought of hurting anyone (especialy loved ones) while doing something thats just a quick thrill for myself .
My prayers go out to Ashton and of course his family I can't imagine how they all feel.
This is the worst way for a HUGE eye opener to come across for people on this forum (and myself) to watch out and expect the worst. Everyone should remember this......
10-07-2008, 08:46 PM
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Re: RIP Ashton Wells
wow !!!! heart breaking, this brought a tear to my eye. i have 3 sons 10, 6 & 5. thay all have watched me in video's but have never seen me stunt in pearson. i have been thinking about having them come out with me this weekend. amazing how fast your life can change !!! i dont know how i could go on if anything happened to my boys. michael , keep your head up any just try to remember this was just a accident, its not your fault and you son loves you. gods speed ashton & good luck michael
10-07-2008, 09:20 PM
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Re: RIP Ashton Wells
I honestly cant swallow because of the huge lump in my throat. I cannot imagine what he must be going through. Im sorry little bro, you are in my prayers. Im honestly speechless. This is just terrible.
Michael is one of my best friends, and this is some of the most fucked up **** ever! We love you Mikey and Holly! 
