New Hampshire boy dies in ATV rollover accident
July 25th, 2009 by Kurt Niland
The Associated Press reported the death of a 12-year-old boy who was apparently killed in an all-terrain vehicle accident on Friday, July 24. Police in Canaan, New Hampshire, are investigating the boy’s death and the circumstances that caused it.
According to police, the victim, Brandon McKinstry, was driving the ATV to the top of an embankment when the accident occurred. It appeared the ground gave way, causing the ATV to roll over and land on top of the boy, who was thrown from the vehicle when it tipped. Police say the victim was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
Officials said that the boy was riding the ATV solo. A medic pronounced him dead at the scene.
The rollover occurred at River’s Edge Campground and ATV Park in Canaan, New Hampshire. The 350-acre privately owned park provides 26 Recreational Vehicle sites and more than 25 miles of trails for dirt bikes and off-road vehicles.
“Have a child? Maybe there (sic) first time on a machine, let them try out the kiddy track designed for young ones. Check us out, you will not be disappointed,” the park’s website says.
River’s Edge Campground is owned and operated by the McKinstry family. According to New Hampshire station WMUR, the victim lived on the campground with his family.
Although the boy may have had experience driving ATVs, no amount of practice could truly protect him in a rollover. Scores of people of all ages die every year in ATV rollover accidents. Many of the victims are crushed under the weight of the vehicles in rollover accidents.