16-year-old KY girl killed in ATV crash. Teen charged with DUI
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- 16-year-old driver charged with DUI after ATV crash that killed a passenger.
- Investigators seek alcohol source and await blood test results in about a month.
- Community and school mobilize support while prosecutors review potential charges.
A 16-year-old girl died in an ATV crash Saturday night in Eastern Kentucky, and another 16-year-old girl was charged with a DUI in the crash.
The girl, Emilynn Clark, was a sophomore at Perry County Central High School, according to a GoFundMe created by her uncle.
The crash happened on Oakwood Avenue in Vicco, a former coal mining town that straddled Perry and Knott counties.
Two girls and two men were on the ATV when the 16-year-old girl driver lost control, said Perry County Sheriff Joe Engle.
“It went over the hill, over a culvert-type embankment, which resulted in the death of the passenger juvenile female,” Engle said in a statement on Facebook.
The driver, who was not identified because she is a minor, was charged with DUI. Officers took a blood sample, and it will take about a month for results to return, Engle said.
Investigators are trying to determine where the alcohol was obtained and who provided it. Police did not indicate the age of the men on the ATV.
One of the men involved in the crash was flown to a hospital with serious injuries, according to Engle. WKYT reported charges for the men are pending.
“I’d like to advise all the people involved in this and the families, our prayers are with you, especially to the young lady that lost her life and to your family and friends,” Engle said in the statement. “We’re holding you up in prayer. We’re thinking about you. This is a tragedy for the entire community.”
Perry County Central High School officials said they were saddened by Emilynn’s death.
“Our hearts are broken for the student’s family, her friends and the Commodore family,” the school said in a Facebook post. “Counselors will be on hand Monday morning as a resource for our students and staff.”
Clark’s uncle, Scottie Clark, said on the GoFundMe that his niece played volleyball and basketball.
“She was so smart and intelligent,” he wrote. “She was loved by everyone who knew her and for her infectious smile.”
Funds will go directly to covering the cost of Emilynn’s funeral and monument, according to her uncle. As of noon Monday, the webpage had raised nearly $7,000.
Engle said an investigation into the crash is ongoing. Investigators are working with the commonwealth and county attorneys to “see what proper charges and prosecution ahead waits.”
