East Texas

By KELLY PREW
Staff Writer

JACKSONVILLE - A weekend of off-road fun became deadly Thursday afternoon when a 32-year-old died as the result of an all-terrain vehicle accident at the Mud Nationals.

Samuel Shane Howard, of Batesville, Miss., was riding his four-wheeler about 4:45 p.m. when a witness said he ran off a trail in the Mud Creek Off-Road Park where the nationals are being held, according to information from the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office.

Howard's four-wheeler overturned and landed on top of him.

Detective Capt. Chris White told the Tyler Paper that witnesses said it looked as though Howard was attempting to maneuver a bump in the trail when his tire caught, sending the ATV into several rolls.

"It's the type of accident that could happen to anybody," White said. "He wasn't riding his (ATV) in a manner different than anyone else."

He said the park does not designate lanes of traffic, nor does it implement speed limits for ATVs.

Emergency services personnel from the park and from East Texas Medical Center responded, and reports from Justice of the Peace Vera Forman said the victim apparently died instantly. Ms. Forman pronounced the victim dead and ordered the body be taken to Southeast Forensics in Tyler for autopsy.

White said he did not believe alcohol or the weather were factors in the accident.

He said the park allows no drinking and driving, which is enforced by on-site security guards.

The ATV Mud Nationals official Web site outlines attendance and alcohol policies.

White said this is the first fatality to come from the event, now in its sixth year.

The event began Wednesday and will run through Sunday.

There have been no plans, according to the sheriff's office or the nationals' organizers, to close the park.

However, White said the trail where the accident occurred was closed off during the initial investigation, but now is open.

ATV Mud Nationals could host more than 10,000 enthusiasts and vendors over the weekend, according to sheriff's office observations.

On the ATV Mud Nationals Web site forum, a representative from event sponsor High Lifter Products discouraged speculative posts about the accident.

"We are shocked and saddened by what has happened," the site reads. "Out of respect for the man's family we will not tolerate any speculation/discussion about it here.

"Posts of this nature regarding this topic will be deleted.

"Our thoughts and best wishes are with his family."

The sheriff's office is investigating the accident.