Deadly ATV crash in Perry County claims life of teenage girl

PERRY COUNTY, Ky. (FOX 56) — An investigation is underway in Perry County after a teen was killed in an ATV crash Saturday evening, and another teen was charged. According to a statement from Perry County Sheriff Joe Engle, deputies received a call around 9 p.m. on Feb. 28 about a fatal ATV crash on Oakwood Avenue in Vicco. Engle said four people were riding in the ATV—two 16-year-old girls and two adult men. One teen was driving when she reportedly lost control of the vehicle. The ATV went over a hill and down a culvert embankment. The other teen was killed. One of the adult men, who was sitting in the back seat, was flown by medical helicopter to a trauma center with serious injuries. Engle said a preliminary investigation suggests alcohol may have been involved, and the driver was charged with driving under the influence. Investigators obtained a search warrant for a blood sample, and the results are pending. Authorities are also investigating where the alcohol was obtained. “I’d like to advise all the people involved in this and the families: Our prayers are with you, especially the young lady who lost her life and her family and friends. We’re holding you up in prayer. We’re thinking about you,” Engle said. On Sunday, Perry County Central High School announced that the teen who died was a student. “It is with the deepest sadness we have learned one of our students at Perry County Central High School was tragically killed in an ATV accident Saturday evening. Our hearts are broken for the student’s family, her friends, and our Commodore family,” school officials wrote. “Please keep this family and others involved in your thoughts and prayers in the days to come.” As the investigation continues, Engle asked community members to refrain from speculation and accusations. “We ask everyone, if you can, to try to refrain from accusations or anything like that. The facts will come out, and we are investigating this case. That’s the reason we came on this format, to let you hear it from me, from the agency that is investigating the details,” Engle said. The names of the teen who died and the teen charged have not been released. The investigation remains ongoing.