Reese Ramsey Obituary: 15-Year-Old Pittsfield Basketball Player Remembered After Fatal 2025 Crash

Reese Brielle Ramsey, a 15-year-old basketball standout from Pittsfield, Illinois, died on February 11, 2025, following a three-vehicle accident on Illinois Route 106 in Pike County.

Reese was a freshman at Pittsfield High School and a member of the Lady Saukees girls’ basketball team. Her death was confirmed in an official obituary published by Niebur Funeral Homes.

Details of the Accident

The collision occurred shortly after 6 p.m. on February 11. Illinois State Police reports indicated that a Chevrolet Silverado attempting to pass a tractor-trailer entered the opposite lane and collided with a Jeep carrying Reese and two other teenagers.

The vehicles then struck the tractor, which overturned. Reese and 68-year-old Lucinda “Cindi” McKenna died, while several other people sustained injuries.

Remembering Reese’s Basketball Journey

Reese developed a strong reputation as a talented young athlete. At Pikeland Middle School, she helped her team win four state championships and established multiple individual records.

She continued playing for Pittsfield High School and the AAU team 25 Eight Mentality. Her dream was to play Division I basketball for the University of Iowa.

Following her death, she received a posthumous Class 2A first-team all-state selection from the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association.

Reese was remembered by her family as a determined, funny and loyal young person who enjoyed basketball, music, fishing, pickleball and spending time with loved ones.

A Celebration of Life took place at Pittsfield High School’s Voshall Gymnasium on February 23, 2025. Her memory continues through the Live Like Reese Memorial Fund.

Her family, friends, teammates and the Pittsfield community continue to remember the young athlete whose life and sporting achievements made a lasting impression.