Union, Missouri – The Union Middle School community is grieving the sudden and tragic loss of 13-year-old eighth grader Gus, who passed away in a devastating UTV accident on Tuesday evening.
Gus, described as an energetic and kind-hearted student, was driving a Polaris Ranger utility vehicle with two friends when the vehicle overturned on Sandstone Trail around 6 p.m.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that Gus failed to make a left turn while navigating a field, resulting in the accident that claimed his life.
He was pronounced dead at the scene, leaving his companions and the community in shock.
Union Middle School, along with friends and family, are left heartbroken by the loss of a young life full of promise.
Parents, teachers, and classmates have come together in mourning, sharing stories of Gus’s humor, liveliness, and love for exploration.
Cpl. Logan Bolton of the Missouri State Highway Patrol highlighted the importance of UTV safety, noting that while there are no age restrictions on private property, these vehicles must be operated with care.
Gus’s untimely passing has prompted discussions about the safety regulations surrounding UTV operation, particularly for adolescent drivers.
His death has left a deep impact on the Union community, who will forever remember the joy and spirit he brought into their lives.