Fairbanks

8-year-old girl dies in ATV rollover near Fairbanks

An 8-year-old girl died Tuesday morning after the all-terrain vehicle she was driving rolled at a campground near Fairbanks, Alaska State Troopers said.

The girl accelerated quickly, causing the ATV to roll just after 10 a.m., said troopers spokesman John Dougherty. An adult male family member was riding with her, Dougherty said. The incident occurred at the Olnes Pond Campground, about 20 miles north of Fairbanks at Mile 10.5 of the Elliott Highway.

The girl died at the scene, troopers said. The family member riding with her had minor injuries, Dougherty said. Both of them were wearing helmets, he said.

The girl’s body will be sent to the State Medical Examiner Office for autopsy, troopers said.

Tess Williams

Tess Williams is a reporter focusing on breaking news and public safety. Before joining the ADN in 2019, she was a reporter for the Grand Forks Herald in North Dakota. Contact her at twilliams@adn.com.

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