Funeral held for 11-year-old killed in golf cart crash in rural Madison County

A funeral Mass was held Monday for an 11-year-old Madison County boy who died last week following a collision between a golf cart and SUV.

Colin DeSelm, a student at St. Paul Catholic School in Highland, died following the crash in rural Highland on July 28.

A preliminary investigation found that the golf cart, driven by Colin, and SUV were traveling in the same direction in the 600 block of Rinderer Road in unincorporated Highland when the SUV collided with the rear of the golf cart, a news release from the Madison County Sheriff’s Office states.

Colin showed no signs of life when first responders arrived. The driver of the SUV was not injured and remained on scene, the release says.

Madison County Sheriff’s Department, Eastern Madison County Ambulance District and Highland-Pierron Fire responded to the scene. The Madison County Coroner’s Office pronounced DeSelm dead, the release says.

The investigation being conducted by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Madison County Coroner’s Office and Metro East Crash Assistance Team is ongoing. Marcos Pulido, chief deputy with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, said there is no further information to release at this time.

In his obituary, Colin is remembered as a dependable, loving brother, multi-sport athlete and a funny friend to all. A member of St. Paul Catholic Church, he attended St. Paul Catholic School.

“He always had a smile on his face, and it was contagious,” his obituary reads. “He was a wonderful child, brimming with talent and the biggest heart. He will be missed dearly.”

A visitation for Colin was held Sunday and Monday morning at the church followed by a funeral Mass Monday, his obituary says, adding that he will be buried at a later date.

The family asks that memorials be made to St. Paul School.

This story was originally published August 4, 2025 at 12:40 PM.