14-Year-Old Boy Dies While Returning Home from a Break – Father Speaks Out

Aside from the father of the deceased 14-year-old speaking out about his death, a GoFundMe page has been created to support the family during this devastating time.

A tragic single-vehicle crash on Interstate 65 near Lebanon, Indiana, claimed the life of a teenage boy and left several others injured. The incident occurred on April 4, 2025, at approximately 4:52 p.m., near the 135-mile marker of the northbound lanes.

According to a statement released by the Lebanon Police Department, officers responded to reports of a serious accident and discovered that two minors had been ejected from the vehicle involved.

Upon arrival, emergency responders closed both directions of the interstate to ensure the safety of those on the scene and began administering life-saving aid. A 12-year-old girl, who was ejected during the crash, was found breathing and conscious.

She was transported to a hospital in the Indianapolis area for further medical treatment. A 14-year-old boy, also ejected, sustained life-threatening injuries and was taken to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

The driver, identified as 35-year-old Taylor Kammes of Illinois, was transported to an Indianapolis hospital for a mandatory blood draw as per Indiana's Implied Consent law. Additional vehicle occupants were also taken to area hospitals for evaluation and treatment.

Several agencies assisted at the scene, including the Whitestown Metropolitan Police Department, Boone County Sheriff's Office, Lebanon Fire Department, and Boone County Emergency Medical Services (EMS).

Additional information provided by People magazine reveals that the young boy who passed away, Jordan Thomas Laskowski, had been returning home to the Chicago area with his family when the accident occurred. They were traveling from North Carolina, where they had spent the spring break.

Detective Sergeant Justin Fuston of the Lebanon Police Department, who also serves as the department's public information officer, shared that their vehicle reportedly experienced a mechanical issue just before the tragic incident.

The driver, who was identified as the mother of the family, informed authorities that she had been dealing with ongoing problems with the vehicle in the weeks leading up to the crash. The detective also confirmed that a malfunction did occur prior to the accident, though its exact nature has not yet been disclosed. The investigation remains ongoing.

Upon hearing about the tragedy, online spectators commented on what happened. "Were they not wearing seatbelts [sic]," one Facebooker wondered, while another echoed a similar sentiment, "Why were these kids not seatbelted? Or did they skip outbid [sic] them during the wreck?" Another netizen urged, "Please wear your seatbelt."

In the wake of the heartbreaking accident, the 14-year-old's father, Scott Laskowski, took to social media to share a raw and deeply emotional tribute to his son.

In a Facebook post, the bereaved dad expressed his anguish, writing, "I lost my best friend yesterday in a tragic accident… This pain I'm feeling is overbearing… I never got to say goodbye to my son… He was my best friend and everyoneknew that… i wish I could trade places with him [sic]…"

Scott went on to express how he had been looking forward to watching Jordan play high school football this year, adding, "He was an amazing kid. Everything just ripped away… i love you Jordan Thomas [sic]."

Accompanying the heartfelt message was a touching photograph of Scott and Jordan standing side by side. Jordan, wearing a Chicago Cubs jersey over a plain white shirt, smiled gently with his father's arm wrapped proudly around his shoulder.

Dressed in a Cubs shirt and cap, Scott beamed beside his son. In an effort to support the Laskowski family during their time of unimaginable grief, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched.

The fundraiser was created to help cover burial costs, medical expenses, and support the family through the emotional and financial weight of recovery. Currently, over $58,000 of the $100,000 goal has already been raised from 748 donations.

The campaign's heartfelt description details how he was traveling with his mother, grandmother, and two younger sisters — Riley Laskowski, 12, who remains hospitalized with serious injuries, and Gracie Laskowski, 8, who thankfully escaped without physical harm.

The emotional toll, however, is profound. The fundraiser message emphasizes the special connection Jordan shared with his father, a man described as a hands-on parent who was always present — whether in the stands at a sporting event or enjoying the simple pleasure of having ice cream with his son.

Their shared love for sports, especially their beloved Dallas Cowboys, created memories that Scott now clings to as part of his son's legacy.

Attached to the fundraiser is a photo of Jordan smiling alongside his younger sisters, all dressed in matching Chicago Cubs attire at a ballpark — a candid glimpse into the closeness of their sibling bond.

Additional images offer intimate snapshots into Jordan's life: standing proudly in his football uniform beside his father, spending time with family by the beach, and receiving a kiss on the cheek from Scott during a night out watching football.

"Please take a moment to hug your children, tell the people you love how much they matter, and cherish every moment with them. Scott will never get the chance to say goodbye to his beautiful son, to hold him and tell him how much he loved him," reads a portion of the GoFundMe message.

It concludes, "Let us all honor Jordan's memory by expressing our love for those closest to us every single day. Our prayers are with Scott, Taylor, Margo, Riley, Gracie, and the entire Laskowski family as they navigate this heartbreaking time. Thank you for your support, love, and prayers."

Aside from Scott's initial post about his son, the grieving father shared another heart-wrenching one. "My baby boy… omg i miss him so much. I wanna trade places with him. He had so much life to live. Please come back please," penned Scott.

Underneath the post, Scott included a short video clip from one of Jordan's past football games, where the field buzzed with the familiar energy of youth and competition. The footage, though brief, served as a powerful reminder of Jordan's vitality and passion for the sport he loved.

Scott also shared two photos: one showing the proud dad smiling beside Jordan after the game, and another of the young athlete in full uniform, standing tall on the field in his red and black Redhawks jersey.

Adding her own voice to the outpouring of grief, Margo Laskowski, Jordan's stepmother, shared a poignant and deeply personal tribute to the teen. In her message, she reflected on the profound impact Jordan had on her life, affectionately calling him "DingDong" and remembering the simple, everyday quirks that made him who he was.

"You said I saved your dad, but you kids saved me," she wrote, highlighting the mutual love and healing the family members had brought into each other's lives.

Margo's tribute painted a vivid portrait of a boy full of passion and humor — from his obsession with LeBron James to his habit of finishing the milk without a second thought. "When you love something, you like... REALLY love it," she added, describing Jordan's all-in spirit and immense capacity to care.

That same big-hearted energy, she noted, makes his absence feel even more unbearable. "Life is ugly and cruel and unkind and unfair," Margo expressed. Through her heartbreak, she found a bittersweet solace in imagining that maybe Jordan was simply too good for a world that couldn't hold him.

Signing off with humor and heart, Margo shared, "Love you forever you little weenie, rootbeer boy. I pray to God I get to hear your goofy [...] laugh again someday."

In loving memory of the beloved teen, Conley Funeral Home has created a heartfelt obituary, which they shared online. The dedication offers a tender and vivid reflection of a life lived with joy, depth, and unrelenting spirit.

Born in Geneva, Illinois, on September 26, 2010, and raised in St. Charles, Jordan left an impression wherever he went — from the school hallways where his humor and kindness shone to the sports fields where his determination earned him admiration.

Described as having an "old soul," he had a remarkable ability to connect with people of all ages, effortlessly bridging gaps with his charm, quick wit, and compassionate heart.

As a true family man at such a young age, Jordan thrived when surrounded by his loved ones, often bringing laughter to the room with his animated impressions, funny faces, and infectious energy.

He gave generously, often thought of others before himself, and approached everything he loved — from the Dallas Cowboys and rap music to Popeye's chicken sandwiches and Lego sets — with an all-in devotion.

Whether making clutch plays on the football field, watching "Stranger Things," or getting into occasional mischief, Jordan leaves behind a legacy of joy, strength, and unforgettable memories. "No one who met Jordan was the same after, and all who knew him deeply mourn his tragic passing in a way that will forever mark their hearts," divulges a part of the obituary.

It also speaks of a boy, named after basketball icon Michael Jordan, who embraced life wholeheartedly and of a family now left navigating the impossible — a world without his light.

Jordan is survived by his parents, siblings, step-sister, grandparents, extended family, godparents, and countless friends. A memorial service is scheduled to take place at Lord of Life Church in Elburn, Illinois, on April 13, where his life will be celebrated, and his spirit honored by all who knew and loved him.

Additionally, those seeking to send flowers to Jordan's family, or plant a tree in memory of him are encouraged to visit Conley's floral store.

At this time, we wish to extend our most heartfelt condolences to Scott, Taylor, Margo, Riley, Gracie, other family members, loved ones, and friends who are mourning this significant loss. We hope for their healing amid their time of grief. RIP, dear Jordan.