Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating an off-road vehicle (ORV) crash involving serious injury.
On June 22, 2019 just after 5 p.m., Conservation Officers and other first responders were dispatched to the 300 block W on CR 425 N in Clinton County for an ORV crash with injury.
Barbara Brown, age 41 of Frankfort, and Shelley Peterson, age 44 of Frankfort, were riding a Polaris four wheeler on private property when the incident occurred. Witnesses stated that as Brown was driving, she attempted to maneuver around a wood pile and lost control of the four wheeler causing it to roll, throwing both riders from the vehicle.
Neither rider was wearing a helmet at the time of the incident. Brown was rendered unconscious and landed with the machine coming to a rest on top of her. Brown sustained significant head trauma and lacerations and required transport via Lifeline Helicopter to IU Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis for further medical treatment. Peterson sustained a laceration and multiple contusions and was transported to IU Arnett Hospital in Lafayette for medical treatment. Alcohol is not believed to be a factor at this time, there are no charges pending in the investigation.
Conservation Officers want to stress the importance of wearing a helmet and other safety equipment when operating an off road vehicle. In addition, it is important to be familiar with the machine you are operating as well as the terrain and obstacles on the property you are on.