16-Year-Old Charged with DUI Following Fatal ATV Crash in Vicco
VICCO, Ky. — A 16-year-old juvenile has been charged with Driving Under the Influence following an ATV crash Saturday night that claimed the life of her 16-year-old best friend.
According to the Perry County Sheriff’s Department, the crash occurred around 9:00 p.m. in Vicco. The victim, identified as 16-year-old Emilynn Clark, was a passenger on the ATV when the vehicle left the roadway and went over an embankment.
Clark, a student at Perry County Central High School, was pronounced deceased as a result of injuries sustained in the crash.
Two adult males were also passengers on the ATV at the time of the incident. One of the men was transported to a nearby hospital with serious injuries. Authorities state additional charges are pending against both men as the investigation continues.
Sheriff Joe Engle confirmed that the driver of the ATV was Clark’s 16-year-old best friend. Due to her age, her name is not being released. Officials believe alcohol was a contributing factor in the crash. A blood sample collected at the scene has been sent for testing, and deputies are reviewing surveillance footage from a local business to determine where the alcohol may have been purchased.
The ATV has been identified as belonging to Noah Back of Vicco. It has not been confirmed whether he was involved in the incident.
Future charges could include vehicular homicide or manslaughter. Deputies will be consulting with the local Commonwealth’s Attorney regarding potential additional charges to present to a grand jury.
This remains an open and ongoing investigation.
Sheriff Engle is asking the public to remain patient and allow the families involved time to grieve while law enforcement completes a thorough investigation.
Clark’s family has established a GoFundMe to assist with funeral expenses. She is being remembered as an intelligent young woman with an infectious smile who was loved by many. She enjoyed playing both volleyball and basketball, and her loss is being deeply felt throughout the community.
This report was compiled using information gathered from law enforcement statements/official press releases/publicly available news sources.
VIDEO BELOW:
