Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating a Wednesday evening off-road vehicle (ORV) accident in which a man and a female juvenile suffered injuries.
The accident occurred at approximately 7:32 p.m. near 5527 S. CR 50W, according to an Indiana Department of Natural Resources news release.
Kevin Deardorff, 58, Claypool, was operating an ORV on private property with a female juvenile riding as a passenger behind him. Deardorff lost control of the ORV after cresting a hill at a high rate of speed and struck an embankment. The ORV rolled over and ejected both occupants, according to the release. The passenger suffered minor injuries and ran back to her parents, who called 911.
Indiana Conservation Officers and paramedics arrived on scene at 7:40 p.m. Deardorff complained of extreme abdominal and chest pain and was flown by Lutheran Air Ambulance to Fort Wayne for treatment. The passenger was treated at the scene and was taken to Kosciusko Community Hospital for precautionary measures.
The cause of the accident was determined to be operating at speeds unsafe for terrain conditions. Neither victim was wearing a helmet or proper safety equipment.
Indiana Conservation Officers were assisted by Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office, Claypool Fire Department and Lutheran EMS.
