Female ATV Driver Dies

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Female ATV Driver Dies

By KSFY News

Story Created: Jul 23, 2008 at 9:57 AM CDT

Story Updated: Jul 23, 2008 at 9:57 AM CDT

 

Hamlin County Sheriff Dan Mack says 7-year-old Laurel Smith of rural Lake Norden has died from injuries sustained when the ATV she was driving yesterday was hit by a pickup truck. 

The sheriff says Smith's 2-year-old brother, who was also on the ATV, is in stable condition in a Sioux Falls hospital with facial injuries, a fractured collarbone and broken leg.  The other passenger on the ATV, a 4-year-old girl, was taken to the Watertown hospital and is expected to be released today.

The accident happened yesterday just before noon. 

Wednesday, Jul 30 at 12:12 PM Anonymous wrote ...

This is a forseeable event. A reasonable parent should not have to think about letting three children ride on an atv desinged for a single passenger above the age of 15. I mean, it's just so simple, no one would allow that. Yet here we are reading about it. This child does not have the ability to pick and choose her parents. Her rights were violated because of the decisions made by her parents. This dead child is a victim of a crime. The perpetrator being family. Prosecution is warranted!!

Wednesday, Jul 30 at 12:03 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Children are not the property of the parents. They are human beings entitled to certain rights. Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The parents are tasked with the resposibility of making decisions that are in the best interest of their children so that they can grow and enjoy everything life has to offer as they mature and become able to make decisions for themselves. Living on a farm does not excuse a parent from disregarding law or the atv's manufacturer warning lables. cont...

Saturday, Jul 26 at 1:43 AM BOBD wrote ...

I don't feel sorry for the family at all. Why? It's very simple-Who in their right mind would let a SEVEN-YEAR OLD child drive an ATV with a two-year old and a four-year old. That's bad parenting right there to allow small children to partake in such dangerous activities. Yes, it's sad that an innocent life was cut so tragically short. But, it's also infuriating that this whole thing could've been prevented by common sense...something, it seems, sadly, modern parents just don't have anymore.

Friday, Jul 25 at 9:44 PM sw mn wrote ...

We are a farm family. We also have ATV's. We would not let young children on them alone let alone w/o helmets. Kids that young can't reach all the controls at the same time. (Brake, accelerator etc) Whether you live in town or rural..common sense is common sense.

Friday, Jul 25 at 3:41 PM Amy wrote ...

Dear LLK, Are your going to put a hex on us or just stab voodoo dolls??

Friday, Jul 25 at 9:24 AM Anonymous wrote ...

Watch out lkk is mad she warned us

Friday, Jul 25 at 1:16 AM wowy wrote ...

'This is your last warning'?? What is wrong with people!?

Thursday, Jul 24 at 10:22 PM ???? wrote ...

Is their any news on the 2 year old? Is he doing any better? Last I heard the four year old was going to be released. I am still praying for the lil ones.

Thursday, Jul 24 at 8:12 PM friend wrote ...

These comments are not necessary. God has an appointed time for all of us, no matter the mode of death. Please do not make the parents feel responsible. Do you know the fact of helmets or not? The young man driving the pickup is also a friend of the family. He too with the parents and community are feeling the impact of this trial. Prayers are with all of the family of both parties.

Thursday, Jul 24 at 7:43 PM To LKK wrote ...

You need to lay of the drugs and stop threatening people. Pick up the good book lady and read it instead of using it as a prop.

Thursday, Jul 24 at 7:17 PM Daryll wrote ...

These 'parents' should feel guilt. They let they're childern down. They should feel ashamed.

Thursday, Jul 24 at 4:15 PM mt wrote ...

To Amanda: I realize that farm families in SD let their kids do things like drive before they are of legal age, but that doesn't make it right. I feel absolutely terrible for everyone involved, but this happens a lot more often than you think. That's why there are farm safety classes for things like this. That 7 year old had NO right to be on an ATV, let alone driving a 2 year old and 4 year old.

Thursday, Jul 24 at 2:47 PM lkk wrote ...

OK EVERYONE--- QUIT W/ THE ACCUSING!!!! THIS IS YOUR LAST WARNING!

Thursday, Jul 24 at 12:13 PM Ex-South Dakotan wrote ...

Cut it out everybody - my goodness, let the family and community grieve. There's no perfect parent. South Dakotans like to brag about how decent and nice they are. Look at all the gossiping at this poor family you're doing now!!!

Thursday, Jul 24 at 10:36 AM Angry wrote ...

To 5:27 Just me- It's easy to pass judgement on people without knowing all the facts. I am not from a farming family but even I know things are different growing up on a farm than in town. This family is going through terrible grief- What do you think would happen to the other 2 kids if they were criminal charged. Accidents happen every day, I don't disagree that they were too young but how do you know the kids didn't decided to go for a ride without the parents knowing? None of us know the fact

Thursday, Jul 24 at 7:39 AM melanie wrote ...

there all in are prayers

Thursday, Jul 24 at 5:27 AM Just ME wrote ...

To 3:38 PM Angry wrote ... "How can you say they need punishment if you don't know how they are as parents?" I guess we know now don't we?? This should show you how they are as parents. Do you think this was the only time they were putting their children in danger?? I hardly think this is the first time. Come on think about it.

Wednesday, Jul 23 at 11:58 PM judy wrote wrote ...

My heart aches for all parties involved. This was a terrible accident, there is no one person to blame, that is why it is called an accident. Do not place judgement on the parents just pray.

Wednesday, Jul 23 at 11:20 PM Hamlin teacher wrote ...

Please don't judge the family - instead keep them in your prayers. Horrible things happen no matter how many precautions a person may take. Laurel was a little sweetie who will be missed by all; I feel privileged just to have known her.

Wednesday, Jul 23 at 10:36 PM Rural Mom wrote ...

I live in a rural areea in south dakota and both my 3 and 6 year old ride their atv's in the country we use them for their stated purpose utility our kids wear helmets and are not allowed near a road God has a plan for all. My prayers are with the family of the driver and the little kids I can not bear to imagine their greif

Wednesday, Jul 23 at 9:52 PM DEAR MOM OF 3 wrote ...

Apperently your kids aren't very old. In SOUTH DAKOTA you can drive at age 14. You get your permit for 6 months/driving w/ a parent/guardian. Than after that six months is up you can drive from 6AM-10PM. so before you sit there and rant about people letting their children drive make sure you have your facts. Otherwise it makes you look pretty silly don't you think?

Wednesday, Jul 23 at 8:38 PM volin resident wrote ...

Please, please don't condemn the family we all make mistakes good and bad. Also 14 year olds can drive so it was legal for him to drive. I am sure he also is greiving. Pray for the families don't condemn

Wednesday, Jul 23 at 8:36 PM Mom of 2 wrote ...

You know, all the finger pointing and judging in the world will not bring the precious little girl back. Let these families alone, let them try and deal with what they were dealt. My heart breaks for the families. Right now they ned all the support and friendship that they could possibly get. Maybe some of the oness that are condemming them should stand in their shoe for just a few minutes and I'll bet that maybe, just maybe they could change their minds. Have a Heart.

Wednesday, Jul 23 at 8:26 PM Anonymous wrote ...

It's a very natural thing to be angry at such a horrible tragedy, but remember when posting that the family may read this, I'm sure the guilt is already there. Send them your condolences and save the angry comments for someone else that will listen to you, not read it. They need all the support at a time like this. God bless little Laurel and her whole family, may God wrap his arms around you and comfort you.

Wednesday, Jul 23 at 8:22 PM Father wrote ...

Let's not punish the parents they lost one angel already and two are in the hospital. I feel that is punishment enough I am sure they are second guessing themselfs for the rest of their lives.

Wednesday, Jul 23 at 8:17 PM Fred wrote ...

My prayers are with the family if you have a small one at home give them a hug. I couldnt imagine going thru something like this.

Wednesday, Jul 23 at 8:15 PM DEAR mom of 3 wrote ...

FYI....the driving age in SD is 14...just thought I'd let you know.

Wednesday, Jul 23 at 7:41 PM Kathy wrote ...

My heart aches for all concerned. I don't feel people should rake these folks over the coals, because I am sure their guilt which will never leave will be more than enough punishment. I realize I can't comprehend the pain the families are feeling, but I know if I lost a child, I don't think I could stand it. Extra prayers and hugs for these two families.

Wednesday, Jul 23 at 6:59 PM barack4pres wrote ...

I am deeply sadden to hear the loss of this child. A 7 year old should have never been driving an ATV, at the age of 7 they do not have good judgment. I agree with a few of the other posters, the parents need to be charged. The community is supportive of this family, too bad they weren't supportive in telling the parents that a child should not be driving an ATV! Are peoples lives so busy that they allow a 7 year old to supervise a 2 and 4 year old. Good grief, may God be with you all.

Wednesday, Jul 23 at 6:39 PM Anonymous wrote ...

I agree with Carrol who wrote:- where were the parents. I can not believe a two year old and a 4 year old were allowed on an A.T.V. Even seven years old is too young. Our prayers go out to the 15 yr old young man. That will be on his mind for the rest of his life.

Wednesday, Jul 23 at 6:20 PM how sad wrote ...

how sad that the children have to pay for the mistake that the adults made what a terrible thing to happen , but who in their right mind lets their children do things like that.

Wednesday, Jul 23 at 5:51 PM Jenny wrote ...

This is in response to Mom of 3 concerning why the 15 year old was allowed to drive. According to the SD DMV website, a teenager can get a permit at age 14 and must have it for 1 year; they can then get a restricted minor's permit that allows them to drive by themselves between the hours of 6 am to 10 pm. This boy was most likely properly licensed and had every right to be on the road by himself. Please don't judge or point fingers when you have no idea what the facts are.

Wednesday, Jul 23 at 5:27 PM jck wrote ...

No its not 16, the age limit for driving here in South Dakota is 14

Wednesday, Jul 23 at 5:21 PM Someone needs to be corrected wrote ...

Mom of 3, the driving age is not 16 in SD. I would ask you to not respond in such negative tones unless you have your facts staight.

Wednesday, Jul 23 at 5:18 PM **~~** wrote ...

To Mom of 3 - actually kids can drive at the age of 14 in SD.

Wednesday, Jul 23 at 5:07 PM TO MOM OF 3 wrote ...

Obviousy your children are not very old. Because in SOUTH DAKOTA you can drive by YOURSELF at 14 1/2 from the hours of 6AM-10PM.... and than at 16 whenever you want. Before you come on here yelling about this boys parents make sure you have your facts....otherwise you look kinda silly dont you think?

Wednesday, Jul 23 at 5:03 PM ..... wrote ...

They made a mistake. They are paying for it allready. Do we really have to sit here and say cruel things. Instead lets make sure this doesn't happen again.

Wednesday, Jul 23 at 4:03 PM Katrina wrote ...

Mom of 3, the driver wasn't doing anything wrong. Had the driver of the pickup been 20.30,40 or 50 it may have still have happened. It could have been you driving down the road. The worst of it is how all 4 of these kids lives have been changed forever. This is a tragedy.

Wednesday, Jul 23 at 3:59 PM Amanda wrote ...

Oh and in rural areas, most kids start driving way younger than 14. Like the little girl driving the ATV for instance. Farm/rural life is a lot different than city life.

Wednesday, Jul 23 at 3:58 PM Disgusted wrote ...

I wish people would stop shooting off their mouths and blaming the parents. These parents do not need to see your comments about what bad parents you think they are. They will have greater heartache than most of us will ever know because of this incident. Believe me, they have paid the price a million times over for this. My thoughts and prayers are with the family

Wednesday, Jul 23 at 3:57 PM Amanda wrote ...

to the first poster below: uhm this is south dakota..14 is learners permit age. by 14/15 most who can will be driving in good ole sd.

Wednesday, Jul 23 at 3:57 PM Yonnia wrote ...

This is why it states in the commercials for ATV's drivers over 16! And doesn't SD have a helmet law for people under 18? I hate to sound like a bad person but these so called "parents" need to face charges this needs to set an example just because people live in rual SD doesn't give parents the right to allow children to ride motor vehicles like this! These was we have just learned at the cost of a life are DEADLY when used wrong!!!

Wednesday, Jul 23 at 3:38 PM Anonymous wrote ...

"Mom of 3" The age to legally drive in SD is 14 with restrictions. Do not blame the driver in this. According to the law, he was not driving after 8 pm and as long as he had a valid learners permit, he's legal. He's got to live with this the rest of his life. And ALL of us have looked over at something on the side of the road. Especially horses in close proximity to a gravel road. As for the family, I am sorry for your loss. To lose a child is the worst loss of all.

Wednesday, Jul 23 at 3:38 PM Angry wrote ...

To Mom of 3- who are you to say the parents should face punishment! They have suffered the worse punishment a parent can go through; loosing a 7 yr old child and having 2 others injured. Do you know this family? How can you say they need punishment if you don't know how they are as parents? We all make wrong choices and they are suffering greatly. Their lives, the 2 younger kids, and the driver, family & friends will live with this tragedy forever. My prayers go out to them all.

Wednesday, Jul 23 at 3:38 PM mom of 4 wrote ...

a life has been lost and you feel the need to attack the parents, My heart goes out to them and coming from a farm my worst nightmare. May God help you all heal, also the driver, and the age limit in this state is 14, wrong or right, but could have happened to any adult. Please people be compassionate, accidents happen and you need to remember they can happen to anyone!!

Wednesday, Jul 23 at 2:52 PM carol wrote ...

Where are the adults in this situation. Who in their right mind lets a 7 yr old drive an ATV let alone with a 2 and 4 yr old. The only charges in this situation should be against the parents for child endangerment. My prayers are with the 15 yr old may he heal quickly

Wednesday, Jul 23 at 1:45 PM Caring Person wrote ...

What a tragedy. My heart goes out to the victims & family.

Wednesday, Jul 23 at 1:20 PM Cindy Smith wrote ...

I am so sorry for these lil one's losses. I have lost a child myself and I know what pain you are feeling. May God be with you...

Wednesday, Jul 23 at 1:04 PM terrible... wrote ...

My heart goes out the family of this lil girl. No one deserves to loose a child. I hope other families learn from this accident and don't allow their children to drive these machines.

Wednesday, Jul 23 at 12:44 PM Cindy wrote ...

I am sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family in this time of tragedy. I pray the other 2 kids will be okay.

Wednesday, Jul 23 at 11:51 AM jack wrote ...

im so sorry for the loss but this also makes me quite mad. a 7 year old is bad enough but then and 2 and 4 year old? rest in peace laurel.

Wednesday, Jul 23 at 11:38 AM Danelle, mother of 2 wrote ...

My heart goes out to the family of the children!! I also want the driver of the truck to know that your in my thoughts and prayers also!! My the lord help u all get through this terrible time!!! I will be praying for you all!! RIP Laurel!!

Wednesday, Jul 23 at 11:13 AM Ross wrote ...

Our prayers are with the family.

Wednesday, Jul 23 at 11:06 AM PappaSmurf wrote ...

This is one of those stories you don't like to read it's just too sad.

Wednesday, Jul 23 at 11:03 AM KELLY wrote ...

ABCF IS BETTER

Wednesday, Jul 23 at 10:48 AM Luke wrote ...

why the hell would you let a 7 yr old drive a atv with 2 other little kids on it? the parents that let these little kids drive and ride should be punished..... good parents are getting harder and harder to find.

Wednesday, Jul 23 at 10:46 AM Anonymous wrote ...

my daughter is 7, Everyone tells me im over protective becasue I dont let her do certain things. I belive that if the reward is not worth the risk the answer is no. I cant imagine the pain and guilt you as the parents are going through. My prayers are with you.

Wednesday, Jul 23 at 10:42 AM Mom of 3 wrote ...

I hope their parents face punishment. While I do feel bad for them losing a child they were VERY irresponsible and it is their own fault it happened. Also who lets their 15 yr old drive yes its rural area but thats why the age limits are 16!!!!!!!!!!!

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