Shown is the aftermath of an ATV crash in a Madera County orchard in which a teenager was killed.
A teenager died following an ATV crash in a Madera County orchard.
Just after 8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 22, CHP Madera officers responded to a collision near Avenue 20 ½ and Road 20.
Their preliminary investigation indicated a male later identified as Giovanni Martinez Placencia, 16, was riding a 2017 Polaris ATV southbound on a private dirt road north of Avenue 20 ½.
CHP said Placencia crossed over Avenue 20 ½ (unmaintained, according to officials) and failed to notice a metal chain strung across the private road preventing further access.
The front of the vehicle crashed into the chain and Placencia, a student at Chowchilla Union High School, was ejected from the ATV.
The ATV continued and crashed into an almond tree, CHP said. Despite lifesaving measures by officers and medical personnel, Placencia died at the scene.
The crash was under investigation. Alcohol and/or drugs were not suspected to have been a factor in the crash, officials said. Placencia was reportedly not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
CHP reminded ATV riders to put safety first: wear a properly fitted DOT-compliant helmet and protective gear; ride in designated areas; ride at a safe speed and stay alert for uneven terrain.
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