Fort Worth Teen Dies In ATV Crash
Fort Worth teenager Brooke Franklin, 14, died from a head injury he suffered after being thrown from a friend's All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV). The accident happened at The Hill Apartments complex in the 3100 Block of Normandale Street in west Fort Worth. Franklin lived at the complex while his mother is a managed the complex. Some youngsters including Kainen Hadnot, Franklin's best friend, say Franklin was riding on the vehicle in the parking lot going about 20 miles per hour when he ran into a curb. The 4 wheeler hit a curb and sent him flying into a wall. Franklin, an eighth grader at Leonard Middle School, died at the scene.
A young girl knocked on a door and got someone to perform CPR while another person was trying to apply pressure to Franklin's head, however his injuries were too severe. Joseph Sport, Franklin's step-father, says the 14-year old was mature for his age and was not acting recklessly. His step-father told him not to ride the 4-wheeler. Franklin told his step-father he was putting the ATV up before the accident happened.
ATV’s are a raising epidemic with children and adults. They are a blast to ride, but are very dangerous no matter the age of the driver. In 2006, there were 555 deaths and over 146,000 hospital injuries caused by 4-wheelers. The number continues to rise as does the number of ATV’s sold annually. The most important thing to remember is to always wear a helmet, no matter where or when you are on an ATV.
Information and commentary is provided by Fort Worth Accident Attorney Mark A. Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900. If you have any questions involving an injury claim, please fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.
