A small Kentucky community is grieving after a late-night ATV ride ended in heartbreak.
A teenage girl has been charged with driving under the influence following a fatal crash on Feb. 28 in Vicco, Kentucky. The wreck claimed the life of her best friend, 16-year-old Emilynn Clark, and left another passenger seriously injured.
According to the Perry County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were alerted to “a fatal ATV accident” around 9 p.m. on Oakwood Avenue in Vicco.
Perry County Sheriff Joe Engle said a juvenile female — whose name has not been released because of her age — was driving the ATV at the time of the crash. The vehicle was carrying three passengers: another juvenile female and two adult males.
Authorities say the teen driver lost control of the ATV. The vehicle went over a hill and across a culvert-type embankment before crashing.
The juvenile female passenger — later identified as Emilynn Clark — suffered fatal injuries.
“She lost control of the vehicle. It went over the hill, over a culvert-type embankment, which resulted in the death of the passenger, a juvenile female,” Engle said in a video statement shared by the sheriff’s office.
One of the adult male passengers, who was seated in the back of the ATV, was airlifted by medical helicopter to a trauma center. He is being treated for what authorities described as “serious injuries.” The condition of the second adult male passenger has not been detailed publicly.
Investigators suspect alcohol may have played a role in the crash. The juvenile driver has been charged with driving under the influence, though authorities say they are still awaiting the results of a blood sample.
Sheriff Engle said the investigation remains “open” and “active” as deputies work with local prosecutors to determine whether additional charges are appropriate. Authorities are also investigating how the alleged alcohol was obtained.
The tragedy has shaken Perry County, particularly the local school community.
Emilynn Clark’s family identified her publicly in a fundraiser launched to help cover funeral expenses. In their tribute, they described her as a bright and beloved sophomore at Perry County Central High School.
“She was so smart and intelligent. She was loved by everyone who knew her and for her infectious smile,” her family wrote.
They shared that Emilynn enjoyed playing volleyball and basketball and was active in school sports. Friends and classmates have flooded social media with condolences and memories, describing her as kind, energetic, and deeply loyal.
Emilynn Clark/Facebook
The high school confirmed in a Facebook post that one of its students had been killed in the ATV accident. Counselors have been made available to students and staff as they process the loss.
“Our hearts are broken for the student’s family, her friends and our Commodore family,” the school said in its statement.
Sheriff Engle also addressed the grieving families directly.
“[To] the families, our prayers are with you, especially to the young lady that lost her life,” he said. “And to your family and friends, we’re holding you up in prayer. We’re thinking about you.”
“This is just a tragedy for the entire community,” he added. “It’s a terrible event, and I just hate that it happened.”
