(North Webster) Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) crash that occurred Thursday on South Barbee Drive near the intersection of EMS B29 Lane just south of North Webster. Kosciusko County Central Dispatch received a 911 call at 9:06 p.m. advising of an ATV crash with injury.
Preliminary investigations indicate that a Suzuki QuadSport ATV was being operated by Brian Stump (44) on South Barbee Drive when the crash occurred. A juvenile male relative was a passenger on the ATV. Brian Stump drove the ATV off the roadway and struck a tree causing the ATV to come to an abrupt stop.
Brian Stump was found unresponsive by a passerby. He was airlifted to Parkview Regional Hospital in Fort Wayne. The juvenile passenger was also transported to Parkview Regional Hospital by ambulance. The operator and passenger were both wearing helmets at the time of the crash.
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.
Information on ATV safety can be located online 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 https://www.offroad-ed.com/indiana/ and can be studied at a personal pace. Individuals who successfully complete the test are issued a lifetime certification card.
Units assisting Indiana Conservation Officers at the scene include Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department, Indiana State Police, North Webster Fire, Leesburg Fire, North Webster EMS, Leesburg EMS and Samaritan Air.
