One Killed In ATV Accident

July 8, 2004

WINFIELD - A Fourth of July four-wheeling excursion ended in tragedy for a Kentucky family after a 22-year-old McCreary County man died after wrecking his ATV near Baker Cemetary in the Chitwood Mountain area. According to Detective Randy Lewallen of the Scott County Sheriff's Department, the victim was identified as Matthew R. Lynch of Parkers Lake, Ky.

Lewallen, who investigated the accident along with Chief Deputy Marty Carson, said that the accident occurred at the "Hole In The Earth," an area located at a reclaimed strip mine. Several "high walls" in the area are climbed by ATV riders. The area is a common riding destination for local ATV riders, particularly on each Fourth of July holiday.

Lewallen said that Lynch, who was riding with family and friends, apparently climbed one of the high walls and lost control of his ATV as he cleared the top. He died at the scene of severe head injuries.

The Scott County Sheriff's Department received the call to respond to the accident at 5:59 p.m. When Carson and Lewallen arrived on the scene at 6:38 p.m., the victim had stopped breathing and a pulse was not present. A unit from Scott County EMS arrived a short time later, travelling as close to the scene of the accident as possible before being transported the remaining distance by a private four-wheel drive vehicle.

The body was transported back to Scott County Hospital.

Sunday evening's accident was the third in the past three months at "Hole In The Earth" that involved serious injuries, but was the first fatality at that location this year.

Also responding to the scene of the accident were units from Campbell County EMS, Campbell County Rescue Squad, Campbell County Sheriff's Department and Tennessee Highway Patrol.

news@ihoneida.com

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