Two Hurt In ATV CrashNORTH WEBSTER – Two people were taken to Parkview Regional Hospital in Fort Wayne, one critical, after an ATV crash Thursday night near North Webster.
Brian Stump, 44, of Pierceton, was found unresponsive by a passerby, according to a news release from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
He was airlifted to Parkview. A spokeswoman with Parkview said that as of this morning, Stump was in critical condition.
A juvenile male relative of Stump’s was taken to Parkview by ambulance. His name was not released as of this morning.
The man and juvenile were both wearing helmets at the time of the crash.
Kosciusko County Central Dispatch received a 911 call at 9:06 p.m. advising of an ATV crash with injury. The crash occurred on South Barbee Drive near the intersection of EMS B29 Lane, just south of North Webster, the release states.
Preliminary investigations indicate that a Suzuki QuadSport ATV was being operated by Stump on South Barbee Drive when the crash occurred. The juvenile was a passenger on the ATV. Stump drove the ATV off the roadway and struck a tree, causing the ATV to come to an abrupt stop.
Agencies assisting Indiana Conservation Officers at the scene include Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office, Indiana State Police, North Webster Fire, Leesburg Fire, North Webster EMS, Leesburg EMS and Samaritan Air.
Conservation officers urge operators and passengers of ATVs to follow all manufacturers’ safety recommendations and the properly use of all safety equipment. State law prohibits the operation of an ATV under the influence of alcohol and drugs, the release states.
Information on ATV safety can be located through the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America at atvsafety.org or by calling 800-887-2887. An online ATV safety course can be found at www.offroad-ed.com/indiana/. Individuals who successfully complete the test are issued a lifetime certification card.
