A photo illustrates an off-road vehicle crash that happened earlier today outside of Syracuse. This is not an actual photo from the scene. (Photo provided)

SYRACUSE — Shortly before 6:30 this evening, Kyle Hilty, 11, Syracuse, died of injuries sustained in an off-road vehicle crash that occurred at his residence on CR 35.

Kyle was last seen operating an ATV around his family property around 6 pm. After about 20 minutes, his 13-year-old brother found him lying in a field. A preliminary investigation indicates that Kyle struck a piece of farm equipment hidden by tall grass in a field. On impact, he was thrown from the ATV.

Kyle was not wearing a helmet or any other safety equipment.

Benton Township Fire/EMS, Turkey Creek-Syracuse Fire/EMS, Elkhart County Sheriff’s Department, Syracuse Police, and Indiana Conservation Officers attempted to revive Kyle.

The investigation is ongoing by Indiana Conservation Officers with assistance from Elkhart County Sheriff’s Department and Syracuse Police.