Family of boy who died in minibike crash plans Pahrump vigil

A GoFundMe account has been established for the family of a Pahrump boy who died last week as a result of a collision with an SUV.

Pahrump Valley Fire and Rescue Services Chief Scott Lewis told the Pahrump Valley Times that the early evening crash on Nov. 6 occurred at the 2900 block of Leslie Street at the intersection of Our Road.

The victim was identified as 12-year-old Lakoda Hamilton.

According to investigators, at about 5:20 p.m., Lakoda was riding a red 2023 TaoTao minibike west on Irene Street.

While he was attempting to make a left turn onto Our Road, a white 2002 Chevrolet Suburban traveling west on Irene struck the rear of the minibike, ejecting the boy onto the roadway, according to the preliminary crash report.

The motorcycle had no visible headlight or taillight, investigators stated.

Critical condition

Upon arrival, fire crews began initial patient care and took Lakoda to Mercy Air before he was flown to University Medical Center, Lewis said.

Eight days after the Nov. 6, crash, Lakoda died from his injuries.

Typical, happy young boy

The boy’s aunt, Rebecka Ayers, who is Lakoda’s primary caretaker, told the Pahrump Valley Times that Lakoda was a boy who was full of joy and was always respectful and willing to help others.

“He didn’t like seeing people cry and did whatever it took to make you happy,” she said. “Lakoda’s mom was my little sister, and she died of cancer 11 years ago. We’re going to cremate Lakoda and put him with his mom’s ashes.”

Ayers also said the boy was a typical 12-year-old who enjoyed playing video games and adventuring outdoors.

Middle school student

“He was a seventh grader at Rosemary Clarke Middle School,” she said. “He loved video games, fast cars, dirt bikes, quads and stuff like that. He never really cried much or was sad, and he could make you laugh, anytime you were mad. He’d just say something very funny just to make you laugh sometimes. There was rarely a sad moment with him.”

Additionally, Ayers noted that Lakoda was an organ donor.

Upcoming remembrance ceremony

Ayers said plans are in the works to hold a community memorial service for the boy.

“I’m going to sit down with my niece, who is Lakoda’s big sister, and discuss what we’re going to do,” she said. “She’s 13, and we want to hold a candlelight vigil in the community.”

Ayers, who is organizing the GoFundMe account, had raised roughly $3,400 toward a $10,000 goal as of Thursday evening. To contribute to the account, go to https://gofund.me/9d92fbbe.

A previous version of this story misstated the name of the account the family had created.

Contact reporter Selwyn Harris at sharris@pvtimes.com.