NORTH WEBSTER — Brian Stump, 44, Pierceton, and a juvenile relative were taken to Parkview Regional Hospital, Fort Wayne, Thursday evening, Jan. 3, following an all-terrain vehicle crash on South Barbee Drive, near EMS B29 Lane, south of North Webster. Stump was airlifted and the juvenile was transported by ambulance for unknown injuries. Both were wearing helmets at the time of the crash.

Kosciusko County Central Dispatch received the  911 call at 9:06 p.m.

Preliminary investigations by the Indiana Conservation Officers indicate a Suzuki QuadSport ATV was being operated by Stump on South Barbee Drive when the crash occurred. A juvenile male relative was a passenger on the ATV. Stump drove the ATV off the roadway and struck a tree causing the ATV to come to an abrupt stop. Stump was found unresponsive by a passerby.

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.

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.