Wheatland remembers a life cut short

Nicole Lootans, 14, died in tragic motocross crash

By Jason Arndt
Staff Writer

Laid to rest following a tragic motocross crash, 14-year-old Nicole Lootans was remembered as a genuine and loving soul whose life ended far too soon, according to members of the Wheatland community.

Lootans succumbed to injuries sustained when her bike crashed, therefore, pinning her beneath it at Rocky Glen Park Aug. 28 in Rockford, Ill.

According to the family’s GoFundMe account, a fundraiser to offset funeral and burial costs, she not only had a love of motocross racing, but also her family.

Nicole Lootans
Nicole Lootans (Courtesy of Mary Miles)

“She was truly the sweetest girl who always had a hug for everyone in her life. She always smiled and loved life,” the GoFundMe page stated. “She was her brother Zachary’s best friend. The two of them were 1 yr apart and did everything together! The love her parents have for her is bigger than life.”

The 14-year-old graduated eighth grade in June from Wheatland Center School, where District Administrator Marty McGinley had fond memories of her roaming the halls, offering to help wherever she could.

“The Wheatland School community is feeling the immeasurable loss of one of our own,” McGinley stated via email last week. “She was a sweet and caring soul that was always trying to help those around her.”

McGinley reported the school has offered assistance to the Lootans family, and reached out to officials at Wilmot Union and Westosha Central high schools.

Meanwhile, on Saturday at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in New Munster – family, friends and former teachers paid their respects – including former Wheatland Band Director Christine Trampusch.

Trampusch, who taught Lootans the flute, reports the 14-year-old quickly grasped the musical instrument in a short time.

“She picked it up her eighth grade year, and caught up to her classmates, so she was an amazing kid,” Trampusch said in a Sunday phone interview.

While she had a profound affect in the classroom, her bright personality and helpful demeanor had a remarkable impression among her peers, who reportedly had great affection for her.

“She was very caring, and had a lot of friends, and always willing to help no matter who they were,” she said.

After her tragic death, Trampusch recalled students asking what to do, and how to cope.

“They were sad and very upset, because this is one of their first losses they ever had,” she said. “They created a poster board of them together…which was a nice gesture for her parents.”

Lisa Poco, who knew Lootans for six years, said behind her bright smile was a person who carried herself with maturity.

“She always had a smile on her face and her personality was rare,” Poco said. “She was wise beyond her years, but you would never know it when she was running around playing with kids in the neighborhood.”

Lootans’ personality included her love of motocross racing, a hobby that enhances her personality, according to Trampusch.

“She was a beautiful young lady.” Trampusch said. “It was interesting to know she was in Motocross, by looking at her, you wouldn’t think she’d be into it.”

The Westosha Report, Twin Lakes Report and Burlington Standard-Press will have a full story in the next print editions.


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