Hit-and-run teen victim dies after vigil in his honor

Posted on August 22, 2017
Family and friends held a vigil on Monday in Bloomington for Dale Nelson, 16, who died later that night after being struck by a hit-and-run driver last week. (WMBD photo)

By Lindsey Harrison/WMBD

BLOOMINGTON – A Bloomington teen struck in a hit-and-run crash last week has died on the same night friends and family held a vigil for him.

Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood said Dale Nelson, 16, died shortly after 11 p.m. in a Peoria hospital.

Nelson was hit while he was riding his bike on Six Points Road last week. Police say the driver left the scene, but was later arrested and charged with driving under the influence.

On Monday, Nelson was removed from life support. Dozens of community members gathered in Forrest Park for a candlelight vigil, to give the family their thoughts and support.

Those closest to Nelson say he was a loving and giving person.

“He loves people, he loves kids, he loves older people, he loves life,” said his great aunt, Sherry Beaman. “He had a whole life ahead of him. He had a future that we’re not going to be able to see because someone decided to drink and drive.”

Nelson’s family says they are touched and grateful for the community’s support. Beaman pleaded with those considering getting behind the wheel after drinking.

“I’m hoping that everyone will hear me to not drink and drive,” Beaman said. “If you’re going to drink, call somebody that will not drink and get a ride home. Don’t take somebody’s life just because you decide to drink alcohol.”

Jen Sheler, Nelson’s cousin, had additional advice.

“Hold your loved ones close, because you never know. You never know when you’re saying your last goodbye.”

 

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…