(CUTLER) – Indiana Conservation officers are investigating an off-road vehicle (ORV) accident that resulted in the death of a passenger, Derek Hufford, 5, of Lafayette
Saturday at approximately 1:20 a.m., Carroll County emergency dispatch received a 911 call of an ORV accident involving injury in the 5000 block South on 100 West. Conservation Officers and other first responders located Hufford, on the ground and unresponsive.
The driver of the side by side ORV 25-year-old Quentin Smith, of Lafayette, told officers he was traveling northbound on County Road 100 West when he attempted to turn into a driveway, missed the driveway, and crossed over a drainage ditch. Smith then lost control and the machine began to roll, ejecting Hufford from the vehicle.
Neither occupant was wearing a helmet or seatbelt at the time of the accident. Smith was transported to IU Arnett Hospital in Lafayette to be evaluated. Hufford was pronounced deceased on scene by the Carroll County coroner.
In addition to excessive speed, alcohol is believed to have been a contributing factor in the accident. Smith was arrested on preliminary charges of operating while intoxicated, operating while intoxicated causing death, operating an ORV at unreasonable speed, and operating an ORV under the influence of alcohol.
Initial charges will be reviewed by the Carroll County prosecutor.
Assisting agencies include Carroll County Sheriff Department, Flora Police Department, Cutler Fire Department, Carroll County EMS, Carroll County Emergency Dispatch, and the Carroll County Coroner.
