Rollover ATV crash kills passenger, critically injures operator
SALEM TWP. (WJER) (Dec. 12, 2022) – The Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office says one person died and another was seriously injured during a weekend ATV rollover crash on private property.
The passenger in the side-by-side ATV, 21-year-old Ethan Huff of Sherrodsville, died at the scene. The operator, 21-year-old Mitchell Smith of the Port Washington area, was hospitalized in Cleveland in critical condition.
Detective Lt. Adam Fisher says the crash happened around midnight Sunday in a field at Smith’s address in the 13000 block of River Road Southwest during a party with multiple people.
He says it appears the ATV hit a dip or divot in the field and then struck an embankment, causing the ATV to roll onto its side.
“The driver was ultimately ejected from the vehicle and the passenger remained with the rolled-over ATV,” said Fisher.
Fisher says investigators believe alcohol was a factor, based on evidence at the scene, and speed.
“There was one suggestion through a witness earlier in the evening that the ATV was being operated at a high rate of speed,” he said.
Fisher says no charges have been filed yet and the crash remains under investigation.
“At this point for us, our biggest concern is ultimately (Smith’s) outlook, or his projected outlook, and his health,” Fisher said.
Fisher says it does not appear that helmets or seat belts were being worn.