(3-18-24) The Wells County Sheriff’s Department, officers determined that a dirt bike was in the middle of the road on CR 100 W, north of SR 116, and an ATV was driving nearby. At around 8 p.m., the dirt bike tried to turn into a southbound lane to avoid oncoming traffic but lost control because the road was damp.

The dirt bike then fell on its side and slid in front of an oncoming car that ran over the dirt bike rider Keaton Osmun (17) from rural Ossian and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The ATV veered off the side of the road and hit a utility pole, throwing Lillyian Smith of rural Ossian (19) from the ATV and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Both teenagers were wearing helmets while operating the dirt bike and ATV.

Keaton was a current student of Norwell High School (NHS) and Lillyian was a former student of NHS. Norwell Community Schools put out the following statement regarding the incident:

“Norwell Families,

Keaton Osmun, NHS sophomore, was killed in a car accident last evening. Former NHS student, Lillyian Smith, was also killed in the accident. The NHS administrative and counseling teams have organized supports for students and staff today. Our deepest prayers and sincerest condolences are with the families and all those impacted by this tragic event.

Mike Springer, Norwell Superintendent