Alcohol suspected in ATV crash that injured 12-year-old in northern Minnesota

A Fourth of July ATV crash in Emily, Minnesota, left a 37-year-old Minneapolis man severely injured and a 12-year-old boy from Blaine with minor injuries. The Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that first responders were dispatched shortly after 6:30 p. m. to the scene at Minnie Lake Drive and Crooked Creek Road. Investigators stated the ATV lost control, struck trees, and rolled before the man was airlifted to a Duluth-area hospital for treatment of severe injuries.

The younger passenger received medical care at a local hospital and has since been released. Authorities are considering alcohol as a potential contributing factor in the ongoing investigation. This incident highlights the dangers associated with ATV use, particularly during holiday celebrations. ATV-related accidents have raised concerns about safety regulations and enforcement in Minnesota. Local officials urge riders to prioritize safety and responsible behavior to prevent future incidents.