Local boy returns home after an ATV accident left him in critical condition and took his father’s life

CARPENTERSVILLE — Back on November 9, 2024, Oscar Carmona and his son, Leo, decided to take a father-son weekend trip to Wisconsin for some much-needed quality time together. However, what was supposed to be a fun adventure turned into a tragedy as the duo were involved in an ATV accident that resulted in Oscar’s death and Leo having sustained serious injuries.

After spending months recovering in the intensive care unit at a children’s hospital, Leo was finally well enough to return home on Jan. 29. His homecoming was made extra special as members of the Village of Carpentersville Public Safety team and Carpentersville Village President John Skillman were in attendance to share their good wishes and remind Leo and his family that they have the strength and support of the entire village behind them.

Leo’s mother, Nancy, shared that although her son has shown a great amount of strength and perseverance, his road to recovery will be a long and arduous one. As a result of the accident, Leo is now paralyzed from the waist down and must rely on a wheelchair. Additionally, Nancy states that Leo has to continue to undergo multiple procedures to repair other injuries he sustained.

To help with Leo’s mounting medical expenses, family friend Hazel Marin, set up a GoFundMe campaign to assist with the costs of rehabilitating Leo.

“I cannot begin to express the gratitude from the bottom of my heart for everyone’s generosity. It has been weeks since the accident but, in some ways, it still feels like yesterday. Time is both slow and fast, ticking by in the middle of the night as Leo jumps from one nightmare to another,” wrote Nancy on the family’s GoFundMe campaign page. “However, we are feeling the love from people, some we have known a lifetime while others just briefly or not even at all. To know that there are such kind souls in the world [who] feel our pain and are doing what you can to help us. I am humbled in ways that can never [be] fully expressed.”

As of Jan. 31, over $32,000 of the fundraiser’s initial $35,000 goal has been reached, which will inevitably be a huge burden lifted off the family’s shoulders as Leo continues to recover.

“Many of Leo’s wounds and breaks will hopefully heal in time. Unfortunately, we are being told his spine will not. While there is no cure today, my heart believes in miracles and possibilities. Possibilities that the future is unknown and technology is ever evolving. I am so blessed by the gratitude of everyone to help with some of those pending costs of his medical care as his needs will be great. I believe in Leo and I am so thankful that you do as well. He really is one amazing kid and takes so much after his wonderful dad,” said Nancy.

Those interested in donating to Leo’s GoFundMe campaign can do so by visiting gofund.me/e4783685.