Indiana Department of Natural Resources conservation officers investigated a pair of ATV accidents over the weekend, which hospitalized two with minor injuries. Saturday at 3:45 p.m., Dwight Dean, 59, Syracuse, was injured when his ATV struck a small hill causing it to overturn and throw him off. Dean struck his head and does not recall how the accident happened. The accident occurred on private property at 1278 W. Lake St., Warsaw. Dean was located by some other members of his riding party and transported to Kosciusko Community Hospital. Dean was complaining of neck pain. Dean was not wearing any protective gear. An investigating officer spoke with Dean Sunday and Dean was expected to make a full recovery but was still complaining of neck pain. Sunday at 10:15 a.m., Caitlan Paloian, 23, of Rosemont, Ill., was injured when her ATV rolled over onto her while she was riding near Tri County Fish and Wildlife Area. Paloian and her boyfriend, Daniel Csuk, were riding separate ATVs on CR850E when they became separated. Paloian tried to turn around at the intersection with Epworth Forest Road when she turned too wide, causing her ATV to roll down the steep embankment onto her, causing her to break her wrist. She was transported to Syracuse Fire Department by her parents then onto Goshen Hospital by medics. Paolian was wearing a helmet, which likely greatly diminished the injuries she sustained in the crash, investigating officers say. Indiana conservation officers remind ATV riders to always wear your helmet and extra protective gear. Always ride with someone if at all possible and remember to always ride responsibly.
