ROCKPORT — Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating a fatal ATV accident that occurred this morning in Spencer County.
Around 11:25 a.m. today, Indiana Conservation Officer Timothy Kaiser and Conservation Officer Josue Flores responded to an ATV accident fatality in Rockport.
Officers say Kate Bruggenschmidt, 11, of Warrick County, was operating a Honda Rubicon ATV on private property. They say that Bruggenschmidt was operating the ATV with her friend Karlee Frobeter, 11, riding on the back as a passenger.
Bruggenschmidt and Frobeter were riding ATVs with friends on the property. After traveling up a hill, officers report that Bruggenschmitt lost control of the ATV, causing it to overturn.
Officers say the ATV rolled on top of Bruggenschmidt, trapping her beneath it and causing head trauma.
According to officers, Frobeter was able to pull Bruggenschmidt out from underneath the ATV and then get help. Jimmy Frobeter, father of Karlee, called 911.
Officers say Bruggenschmidt succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead on the scene by the Spencer County Coroner.
Responding agencies included Indiana Conservation Officers Spencer County Sheriff’s Department, Spencer County EMS, Ohio Township Fire, and Spencer County Coroners Office.
Officers say Bruggenschmidt and Frobeter were not wearing helmets or protective equipment which Conservation Officers strongly encourage while operating ATV’s.
For more information on ATV safety visit www.offroad-ed.com/indiana