Watch CBS News

Girl Dies In ATV Accident Near Silver Lake

By Reg Chapman, WCCO-TV

SILVER LAKE, Minn. (WCCO) -- A 9-year-old girl is dead after an all-terrain vehicle accident in central Minnesota.

Mileka Hall died late Saturday night at her cousin's house just north of Silver Lake, Minn. Authorities said she was driving an ATV and somehow hit her head.

"She's just been special since the day she was born," said Jo Anna Hall, Mileka' mother.

Hall said she can't help but smile when she speaks about her little girl, Mileka.

"She'd make anybody smile. She'd smile at strangers. Make sure she said 'Hi.' She always finished her conversations with an 'I love you' or 'Love you,'" said Hall.

The little girl, who was named after her grandmother, was the youngest of three sisters. She loved dancing, being a big cousin and fire trucks, just like her grandpa.

"She was wearing this on her wrist last night," said Hall as she holds the wristband her daughter was wearing when she fell off the ATV and suffered a head injury.

It happened on a cousin's property, just north of Silver Lake. Mileka was airlifted to Hennepin County Medical Center where she died from her injuries.

Investigators are not releasing any other details about the accident.

"I have to be strong for her. That's what she would want," said Hall.

So on this day set aside for mothers, it has been marked with grief and heartbreak on mother.

"She was more excited about Mother's Day than I was. I mean, she had the presents wrapped yesterday. They're sitting there ... so I haven't had the heart to open them yet. I don't know if I ever will," said Hall.

Mileka's mother must now forget about what would have been and concentrate on her message to others.

"If they're going to go out biking, on a four-wheeler, whatever, please wear a helmet. Please wear a helmet. It makes all the difference. It could have saved her," said Hall.

In Minnesota, a driver's license is required to drive an ATV. People under 18 years old are required by law to wear a helmet.

More information on the accident is expected to be released on Monday.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.