8-year-old Iowa boy dies after being backed over by truck while riding bike

Iowa State Patrol and Ottumwa police are investigating the death of a 8-year-old boy who was killed by a truck while riding his bike on Tuesday.

First responders were dispatched to the 200 block of North Hancock and Dewey streets for a pedestrian crash involving an 8-year-old boy and a Dodge truck at around 12:25 p.m. Tuesday, police spokesperson Lt. Jason Bell said in a statement.

The 8-year-old died at the scene, Bell said.

Investigators reported that the truck had accidentally backed over the boy in an alley, Bell said. Police have identified the driver, but no charges have been filed as the crash is still under investigation.

The 8-year-old boy was identified as Jaxxon Cain, Ottumwa Community School District Superintendent Michael McGrory said in a statement.

Cain, who had recently finished second grade, was a cherished member of the school community, McGrory said.

 “This is a heartbreaking moment for our school district,” McGrory said. “Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the family during this unimaginably difficult time.”

The district has organized support services for students and staff for anyone affected by Cain’s death, McGrory said.

“We ask that you keep Jaxxon’s family in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate through this unimaginable loss,” McGrory said. “Together, we will honor the memory of Jaxxon and support one another through this heart-wrenching loss.”

José Mendiola is a breaking news reporter for the Register. Reach him at jmendiola@dmreg.com.