A 14-year-old boy died last week after a dirt bike crash during a race at Hannegan Speedway Thursday night.
The Mt. Baker Motorcycle Club confirmed the death of Owen Morton on social media, stating “it is with heavy hearts that we offer our most heartfelt condolences to Owen’s family and friends on this unmeasurable loss.”
Morton was racing in his first dirt bike race on Thursday evening, May 16 at Hannegan Speedway when he was involved in a crash. Mt. Baker Motorcycle Club did not respond to questions about the circumstances of the crash.
Bellingham Fire Department dispatched two units to the speedway around 7:13 p.m., according to Dustin Michaelis, the public information officer for the Bellingham Fire Department. Morton was treated at the speedway before being transferred to PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center at 7:40 p.m.
Michaelis did not have details about what caused the crash.
Morton was life-flighted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, according to a GoFundMe set up by a family friend to help the Morton family. He died of his injuries Friday morning, May 17.
Morton was described as being “kind-hearted, smart, witty, all-around amazing kid,” who enjoyed dirt bike racing and drumming, according to the GoFundMe.
Morton was also an eighth grader at Meridian Middle School, the Meridian School District confirmed.
“He was a kind, joyful and well loved student, who actively participated in band and sports,” the district wrote in a statement.
A mobile response team is onsite at Meridian Middle School to support students and staff, and counseling support is available for all students.
Mt. Baker Motorcycle Club stated in an email that it’s working on a project to honor Morton and that more information would be available later in the week.
Annie Todd is CDN’s criminal justice/enterprise reporter; reach her at annietodd@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 130.
