Teenager Killed in 4-Wheeler vs Truck Accident, Names Released
Teenager Killed in 4-Wheeler vs Truck Accident, Names Released Save Email Print
Posted: 6:45 PM Aug 6, 2008
 Last Updated: 12:08 AM Aug 9, 2008
 Reporter: Mike Waterhouse
Email Address: mike.waterhouse@wsaz.com
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UPDATE @ 7:11am Thursday
TAD, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- The Kanawha County Sheriff's Department says speed and reckless driving could be factors in an ATV accident that killed a teenager.

It happened Wednesday evening in Tad.

According to a news release, Lieutenant B.C. Stover says the ATV rider and a truck were headed in opposite directions on Campbells Creek Drive when the ATV crossed over the center line and hit the truck head-on, causing the rider to be thrown from his ATV.

The 4-wheeler rider, 16-year-old Michael Odaniel, died at the scene. The truck driver, 31-year-old Bradley Hall, was not hurt.

Stover says Hall was not cited in the crash.

"Excessive speed and reckless driving by the ATV driver could be contributing factors in the crash," said Stover.

Deputies are continuing to investigate the accident.

Friends tell WSAZ.com that Odaniel was a student at Riverside High School.

If you'd like to share a picture of Michael with us, please e-mail it to pix@wsaz.com


UPDATE @ 11:00pm
Metro 911 reports that Campbells Creek Drive is back open.


UPDATE @ 7:47pm
Metro 911 tells WSAZ that Campbells Creek Drive will be shut down for several hours.


ORIGINAL STORY @ 6:45pm
TAD, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- Dispatchers in Kanawha County say one person was killed in an accident involving an ATV and a truck.

It happened at about 6:20pm five miles up Campbells Creek Drive in Tad.

Dispatchers say the person riding the 4-wheeler is possibly a teenager -- and somehow collided with a truck.

Kanawha County Sheriff's Department dispatchers tell us the person on the ATV reportedly died at the scene.

WSAZ has a crew on the way to the scene. Keep clicking on WSAZ.com for more information.
Photo by WSAZ photojournalist Ryan Lafferty.
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Posted by: michael <3 on Aug 11, 2008 at 08:56 AM
his wake was last nite & it was 1 of the hardest things that i ever had 2 do! im not gonna claim we were the greatest friends & all that but ive known him 4 years. & 2 carlos he wasnt on the highway so get the facts straight b4 u make ne comments. i live up the creek 2 & everyday i still hear 4 wheelers up on the main road so michaels not the only 1 & there shouldnt b ne blame at all it was an accident! i believe everything happens 4 a reason & i think it happened b4 sumthing worse could happen 2 him or that maybe he was going down a way worse path & it would just b better 4 it 2 end like this. schools NEVER going 2 b the same with out him there & there r so many ppl that r hurting from this so 2 u ppl that r passing the blame & making just plain rude comments u should b ashamed & karma will get u 4 it.....R.I.P Michael LEE O'Daniel u will b missed & loved by many. my heart goes out 2 kathy,terry,other family & friends especially jeremy,bruce,kristian,& rachael =( luv ya michael
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 10, 2008 at 11:05 PM
i knew micheal well enough to the point where im going to miss him but i for a fact that he had his fun already and no one should say he didnt even start his life because in my point of view he done all he wanted to do already.
Posted by: brittany on Aug 10, 2008 at 02:10 PM
he was a good friend of my sisters and we all miss him alot
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 9, 2008 at 02:19 PM
Michael was an amazing rider and friend. I miss him more and more with each passing day. You can't blame anyone for this. It was a freak accident. Maby michael got distracted or maby he just made a tiny mistake. I live on campbells creek and i herd fourwheelers up here on the main road today. People wont change, but its their own fault if they dont. I love you michael, i miss ya bud <3
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 9, 2008 at 02:25 AM
quit blaming everything, things like this happens. its apart of life. Maybe God needed michael because he seen he was going down the wrong path and before something worse than this happened, he got michael off that path and took mike to be with him. i think it would be respectful to his family and friends if everybody would quit being rude and leaving comments that aren't anything more than being sypathetic. seriously. i miss you more than anything michael. <333333333
Posted by: DDCJ on Aug 8, 2008 at 11:03 PM
To Chris: Unfortunately, teenagers do think they are invincible. We all did when we were teens. My 13 year old is wanting an ATV, which my comment back to him is "no way." When you're 18 and have a job and can buy one yourself then you can have one. Sorry, they are just too dangerous for teens because they do act stupid with them.
Posted by: Casandra on Aug 8, 2008 at 09:22 PM
TO CAT! okay i didnt say that police officers shud sit on ONE road and potrol it. i said that if a police officer sees a kid without a helmet then he shud stop them. i did not once mention that they shud potrol one road. a police officers job is to stop people if they see them doing something wrong! i did not place blame on the police. u need to get ur facts straight. in this case even if michael wud have been wearing a helmet he wud have died anyway. i was making a comment about what the police officer said and not once did i blame them for michaels accident. maybe u shud re read my 1st comment!
Posted by: RoaneCo. on Aug 8, 2008 at 04:00 PM
To "How soon" and anyone else that wants to blame the ATV. Oh sure lets blame the ATV!!! Can you people not function without some law to protect you from you own stupidity? Why don't you get off your butt and take resposibilty for yourself!! I am getting sick and tired of having my rights taken away just to protect these people that can not/decide not protect themselves. I don't need the government or some law to protect me. And on the occasion that I do something stupid, like sticking my head in a 5 gallon bucket of water or blow drying my hair while sitting in the bathtub I sure am not going to blame anyone but my fool self if I get hurt. I'm am sorry for the family. I hate to see anything like this happen. But accidents do happen and knee jerk reactions screaming for more laws isn't the answer.
Posted by: lisa on Aug 8, 2008 at 03:57 PM
this is an awful thing that has happened. It is natural thing to want someone to blame. the parents, the police, michael, or brad. The fact is that it was an accident. Which means something that is not supposed to happened. I live at cinco and I have seen the police many times try to stop an atv that is on the main road. The atvs are to fast to catch and once they hit dirt road the police can't touch them. I have a son that is 14 and all he wants to do is ride his 4 wheeler. After this happened I was freeking a little bit going over the rules again and again about safety. I come home yesterday and he was riding his 4 wheeler and to my worst fear after all the talking I done he didn't have his helmet on . His excuse was i' m on the dirt road . The message here is no matter what we do, if it is GODS WILL IT IS GOING TO HAPPEN. I PRAY FOR BOTH FAMILIES AND ALL OF MICHAELS FRIENDS. PLEASE LET THIS BE A LESSONED LEARNED . NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE IMPOSSIBLE.NO ONE IS TO BLAME
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 8, 2008 at 01:54 PM
This is so terrible. Such a promising young life ended so soon. I felt so sorry for the young lady interviewed on Channel 3 the night of the accident who was a friend of Michael. My deepest sympathy & condolences go out to his parents/family and friends. Along with my thoughts and prayers. I hope & pray too that young people - ALL people of all ages who think THEY will never turn over or wreck one of these things - will realize that these things ARE dangerous They shouldn't be ridden on roads AND they ARE dangerous no matter where you ride them It CAN happen to anyone so please be safe and be careful on ATV'S young people and everyone Again, my prayers and sympathy go out to his family and friends, especially his parents.
Posted by: Chris on Aug 8, 2008 at 10:54 AM
A STATE TROOPER SAID IT PERFECTLY! YOUNG PEOPLE THINK THERE INVENSIBLE! when are these young kids going to learn?
Posted by: How soon? on Aug 8, 2008 at 10:38 AM
How many more deaths do we need before the legislature gets off its collective butts and passes some kind of reform? I feel awful for this guy's death (and I do when anyone dies), but it's just another in a long line of ATV deaths.
Posted by: m on Aug 8, 2008 at 09:53 AM
god bless the family i am so sorry. i hope that he is not lost in vain and that others will learn from this terrible incident...please be careful out there and use caution with atv's
Posted by: Tiffany on Aug 8, 2008 at 09:37 AM
My brother (25 at the time)was involved in a horrific ATV accident a year ago this past Mother's Day. He wasn't wearing a helmet. He was thrown off his ATV and over a bridge where he hit his head on a rock and then fell backwards under water. A freak accident. He never owned a helmet....none of us in the family have. He suffered a severe skull fracture and lost eyesight in his left eye. His personality was affected as well because of the area of his brain that was damaged. He wasn't expected to live, but God had other plans. Now, many of his friends have gone out and bought helmets. Some have taken more precautions when riding. As sad as this is for a young man to lose his life...hopefully, those around him will take safety into consideration when riding. It doesn't matter how old or young you are, accidents happen. Maybe God needed Michael to be with him for a reason. My thoughts and prayers go out to this family. Keep your faith and may God be with you.
Posted by: tom on Aug 8, 2008 at 09:14 AM
whats a young man doing on the main rd rideing an atv 4 wheller but our prayers are with this young mans family i hope them young boys will slow down on them atvs
Posted by: Melissa on Aug 8, 2008 at 09:05 AM
1.) a helmet would NOT have helped this child, 60 mph head on a person in a CAR would have a hard time surviving !!! 2.) My child is 16 and rides a 4 wheeler, He is NOT allowed off the dirt road, he does not have keys toit because he is ONLY allopwed to ride when me & dad are home, because he is a 16 yr old boy yeah we taught him better but again he is a teenage boy... My hearts go out to his family, the truck driver of Cummings in So. Chas even though this is NOT at all his fault in ANY way shape or form but he still has it on his mind that he was driving a vehicle that killed a child no matter who's fault it was. I heard this boy was grounded for riding on Rt. 60 and just got 4 wheeler back, this is so sad our children don't know we make rules because we care for them this is a wake up call to all kids
Posted by: Shirley on Aug 8, 2008 at 08:20 AM
Stop ditching everyone, we all have been wreckless a time or two in our lives, just some are luckier then others, no one but Michael and the Lord know why he didn't pay more attention or maybe he was distracted by something on the side of the road, maybe he was swerving to miss something he thought was going to run out in front of him. It is a terrible ACCIDENT. All of us need to learn from these accidents and show our children what could happen. Just pray for his family and friends they are hurting more than any pain you could ever imagine. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.
Posted by: state should ban all ATVs on any state road! on Aug 8, 2008 at 01:14 AM
My deepest sympathies to the family. ATV's have taken way to many lifes, usually those very young. My neighborhood is a public state road, but since it's a gravel road, we get ATVs flying out here every day and it scares me to death! The cops won't do anything about them, but what surprised me about this was the cop they interviewed who said very non chalantley,"we see them here on the this road all the time! Well duh! If you see them and if you would have done something about them, maybe this tragic accident wouldn't have happened! We go thru the same thing here...a cop can be sitting here and a 4wheeler flys by and their responce is,'were not going to do any thing about 4wheelers on a gravel road, wheather its a public road or not! We have over 200 people that live here,with kids, pets, people! and just because the state is too lazy to pave our road, I guess we just have to live w/the dust and pray non of these riders meet the fate this young man met! I blame the cops and the state esp. when they are well aware of it happening and do nothing about it, as per usual, until it's too late! Again my heart felt prayers for the friends and family of this young kid!
Posted by: cc on Aug 8, 2008 at 01:09 AM
"too bad so sad" just remember ur remain anonymous on here but karma knows who u are! and it will get you. and to lisa the former neighbor your comment ws a little bit much dont you think."bad choices"? how inappropriate could all that be? to both families involved my thoughts and prayers are with you, may god be with this young mans mother and father my heart breaks for you. im so very sorry for your terrible loss. cherish the time you had with your precious son.god bless you all...
Posted by: Beth Ann on Aug 7, 2008 at 11:51 PM
Show some respect people.
Posted by: tracy nicole taylor on Aug 7, 2008 at 11:42 PM
micheal was so comforting to me..especially when he would see me cry in the gym all. he would tell me everything was going to be okay. its just he was so sweet and comforting to anybody who needed it. ill deff miss him so much. like that one girl said rhs aint gonna be the same.
Posted by: ODaniel Family on Aug 7, 2008 at 11:35 PM
Terry, Kathy, & Family - We are so sorry. There are no words to express how terrible we feel for your loss. Please know that Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Posted by: Cat on Aug 7, 2008 at 10:53 PM
Cassandra, police officers have many miles to patrol everyday. They cannot be expected to sit on one road, monitoring people who ride ATV's illegally. If the truth be known, the police could have sat there for a week and given a few tickets. But, as soon as the word got around that police were ticketing offenders, the road would have been deserted. And, a few days after police gave up the patrol, the offenders would have been right back out there again. You need to stop placing blame on police for this accident. Place the blame where it should be.
Posted by: lindsey adams & bonnie short on Aug 7, 2008 at 10:38 PM
michael was a great friend, he was nice to everybody, its sad something like this happened to such a great person, my prayers are out to all his family and friends, we're all lookin up at you michael, we know your in a better place, we miss you
Posted by: Christina on Aug 7, 2008 at 10:36 PM
My prayers go out to the truck driver and the young man's family who lost his life in this preventable accident. I wish people would realize that their actions affect not only themselves but everyone around them. One family lost a cherished loved one (something nobody should have to go through) and another family; complete strangers, have to live with this tragedy for the rest of their lives, and it's not fair to either one. God be with them all.
Posted by: Rebecca on Aug 7, 2008 at 09:59 PM
To some of those that are saying that he shouldnt have been on the main road then you need to realize that you were a teenager to and you done things that you shouldnt have to. You dont understand what this family is going through. I lost a friend on this very same road and i know what it is like to see these comments that are so mean and hurtful. Michael was a very good kid and you cant just blame him because there is many atv riders in campbells creek that does the same thing. Any person that can sit here and leave disrespectful comments like they have been then you just have no heart at all. Michael's family did not deserve to loose there only son. His family will be in my prayers. God Bless you all.
Posted by: Casandra on Aug 7, 2008 at 09:55 PM
I went to school with Micheal and i didnt know him very long but he seemed like a cool kid. i was in total shock when someone told me he wrecked and died yesterday! he was just 15. When i watched the news a couple hours ago a police officer said "i see atvs ride up and down these roads speeding without helmets all the time." well if thats so, then why doesnt that police officer stop those people? Isnt that why he has a badge?
Posted by: RIP_Michael on Aug 7, 2008 at 09:45 PM
Do you think just because you buy all the gear (helmet, boots, etc.) that they are always going to be worn?? He was a teen, it was a hot day, & he was going out for a joy ride like he has done many times before. I've always had 4-wheelers when I was growing up & even though a helmet was provided, I would always sneak off without wearing it & without my parents knowing. Don't blame the parents. Like Kait said, the helmet wouldn't have done anything to save his life in this type of accident.The majority of people who are hospitalized for ATV accidents are 30-40 year olds, not teenagers, & it's because there is usually alcohol involved (in this case, there were no drugs or alcohol involved) and these adults are old enough to know better, but they still do it anyway. PEOPLE: IT WAS AN ACCIDENT. LEAVE IT AT THAT. May God never let you feel what this family is feeling right now. My regards to Brad as well. Heather if you see this in time the wake will be Sunday & the funeral be Monday. CASEY
Posted by: reader on Aug 7, 2008 at 09:24 PM
To Posted by: Against the Law 2 on aug,7,08.at 5;17PM, How the State Cop rides his 4-wheeler,has no bearing on this accident! May GOD heal the broken hearts of this young boy's family!
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 7, 2008 at 09:18 PM
i love yaa mikee <33 rhs wont be the same. and kaitlyn you said things well :]
Posted by: Dennis on Aug 7, 2008 at 09:03 PM
Sorry for the loss of such a young man. I can't comprehend the loss of a child. Whoever bought the ATV should have bought a helmet, boots, and gloves. I never fully understand the logic why things like this happen. May God help this family.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 7, 2008 at 08:20 PM
tyler roy your comment said it all very thoughtful god bless you and your friend
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 7, 2008 at 08:16 PM
To the parents of this dear young man I am so sorry for you loss,and never hope to feel the pain that your going through right now ,,I pray to God to give you peace with dealing with the death of your wonderful son.....as to others on here, why do people aways have to say mean, hateful things at a time like this.. This was a accident that took the life of this young man,,please people if have nothing good to say ,,, don't post...
Posted by: Accident on Aug 7, 2008 at 08:07 PM
Why are some of you blaming the State Police? Do you think it is the State Polices job to baby sit everybodies children? It wasn't the State Polices fault, the ATV's fault or the other driver. People need to start taking responsibilty for the own actions.
Posted by: Kait. on Aug 7, 2008 at 07:58 PM
Its really hard to sit here and realize somebody you've been friends with and went to school with for years is gone, out of everybodys life, just like that. I don't see how one person could have enough disrespect for a family that just lost their only son and leave rude comments like some have been doing. And he's not the only person that rides a 4wheeler without a helmet. Theres mostlikely thousand of people around here that do it, and in his case, not even a helmet could have saved his life if he was goin as fast as he "supposedly" was. Michael had one of the best humors a kid could have. There wouldn't be a quiet moment in class if he was in there. Teenages make mistakes, I know I do all the time, but I make up for them. As much as people preach about not driving on the paved road or wearing a helmet, not all kids are goin to listen, but all of these accidents will open some eyes. I love and miss you buddy. <3 Your family is deffinetly in my prayers. <3
Posted by: Joanne on Aug 7, 2008 at 07:43 PM
RIP_Michael, I agree 100% with everything you said. My prayers are with your entire family. In an ideal world, our children would listen to us and follow every safety precaution. To bad that isn't a reality. Of course people believe it is such a waste of a young promising life, but people need to check themselves and remember back to the time when they themselves were teenagers. God Bless.
Posted by: Heather Carpenter on Aug 7, 2008 at 07:34 PM
Michael was my cousin. Each member of my family is greiving in their own way. Since I live so far away, I came to this website to gain information on what had transpired...and then I read "too bad so sad." Do you have no respect? Should he have been on the road, speeding, without a helmet? No. Did he know that? Yes. Is fast-food bad for you? Do you eat it anyway? Are cigarettes bad for you? Do you smoke them anyway? It could have been anyone with anything. While you rant about what should be done, you need to remember that you should do so with respect and compassion. A family has lost their only son. They are so overwhelmed with grief. Now, "Anonymous," if you're going to be so horrendously callous as to add salt to such fresh, deep wounds, you'd best have the TESTICULAR FORTITUDE to put your NAME on it. You're not high and mighty, you're cruel and cold-hearted. I pray God isn't isn't so callous when it's your turn. Show some respect! My heart is with my family and Brad's.
Posted by: RIP_Michael on Aug 7, 2008 at 06:13 PM
A young life has been lost due to an accident. My cousin Michael was a wonderful young man & loved dearly by all, especially his fantastic parents. For those of you praying for him & the family, thank you so much for your kind words & thoughts. As for you who have no empathy & feel the need to rant & rave, I pity you. I PRAY that his parents don't see your comments. They are going through such a tough time & they don't need your petty, selfish, insensitive remarks just pi$$ing them off. It's bad enough they lost their only son not even 24-hours ago, but you have the nerve to blame them?? Accidents happen. As a teenager, did you obey every word your parents said? Did you never make a mistake? We go through our daily lives not thinking that we could die at any given moment because if we did, we wouldn't be able to function. No matter how careful you are with your children, accidents still happenb. Michael, I love you & I'll miss you. Rest peacefully sweetie.
Posted by: elaine on Aug 7, 2008 at 06:09 PM
i have teenagers myself and can not fathom the thought of losing either one of them and i'm sure michael's parents are going through hell. i hope the peace of God's presence helps to heal their broken hearts. HOWEVER, this was a horrible, horrible accident, plain and simple. nothing more. while everyone wants someone or something to blame, you can't take it out on brad (the driver of the truck) because he was an innocent victim as well. it could have been any one of us coming down that road ("wrong time and wrong place") and any one of us who would have to live with the memory of that fateful, final moment of michael's life. my thoughts and prayers are with BOTH families during this time of tragedy.
Posted by: Jerry Aldini on Aug 7, 2008 at 06:05 PM
Tragic because it was PREVENTABLE!!! Don't ride an ATV on paved roads & Don't ride an ATV without helmet. If you obey those two rules along with not riding with passengers or on too steep of a hill, then there would be hardly ANY ATV fatalities. Preventable...Preventable...Preventable
Posted by: curtis on Aug 7, 2008 at 05:40 PM
if the police would do there jobs and patrol up here on campbells creek maybe this could have been prevented
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 7, 2008 at 05:23 PM
the guy who said to bad so sad, i hope you didnt mean that in a sarcastic way. you didnt know michael so how dare you say something like that. and if you did still how dare you. and no maby he should of been on the road, but it doesnt take away the fact he is gone. i miss yaa budd <3333
Posted by: against the law (2) on Aug 7, 2008 at 05:17 PM
There is a state cop near wayne that rides his 4wheeler down wilson creek, high rate of speed,no helment, doesn't care.
Posted by: Mom2three on Aug 7, 2008 at 04:49 PM
No one deserves this. God took Michael to teach us all a lesson. Let's all learn from this tragedy. RIP Michael.
Posted by: to PARENT on Aug 7, 2008 at 04:19 PM
Turn him in to the DHHR for endangering the welfare of his children. Get them involved. To the family of this young man. God gives and he takes away. Death knows no age, race or religion.........it comes to everyone. Please do not be upset with the driver of the truck - I am sure he feels really bad right now. Please look to other family members and friends for support and God Bless you.
Posted by: Charmane on Aug 7, 2008 at 04:17 PM
Another life, and our State legislature will not get ATV,s off our public roads. we are made to look stupid by out of staters by our own State Government. Well, maybe we are a little stupid, we put them in. AND we can take them out. How can our legislature expect Our State Police and our county authorities to police every paved roud in our state. For selfish reasons the Legislature body did not pass laws last year to get them off public roads and they probably wont this year. (meaningful laws) We all make mistakes, some are so costly and bring such sadness and sorrow. It is the Lord Jesus Christ who can bring us the ultimate in peace, God bless and guide us.
Posted by: Lisa on Aug 7, 2008 at 03:13 PM
What a tragic loss of a beautiful young man. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
Posted by: concerned on Aug 7, 2008 at 02:20 PM
My heart goes out to this family. This is such a hard thing to go through. Even if they should not be riding on the roads, we all do it, this is West Virginia.. This young boy has lost his life, and my prayers go out to this family, and the driver of the truck. Accidents can happen, and we that have boys know, boys will be boys, and as parents we just do the best we can.
Posted by: Against the Law on Aug 7, 2008 at 02:13 PM
Why isnt the sheriffs, or troopers or some type of law enforcement stopping this, IT IS AGAINST THE LAW, how many lives will need to be lost, before someone does somthing...ENFORCE THE LAWS....and to the kids and adults, dont put your life in your jeapordy for riding ATVs on the main roads...is it worth it ?
Posted by: Mendy on Aug 7, 2008 at 01:59 PM
Michael was a great friend to my brother Bruce, who I always thought was kind and respectful.This was a tragic accident that hurts my family terribly! I do think four-wheelers can be dangerous just like anything else, but that part of the road up Campbells Creek is a horrible place. People drive so fast and never slow down! I was hit head on a little ways down the road from there by a drunk driver who crossed the line. I wish people would think about their safety and others. I'll be praying for his family and friends. I'll miss seeing him everyday! I'll think of you always Michael!
Posted by: LISA on Aug 7, 2008 at 01:53 PM
THIS IS A TERRIBLE "ACCIDENT", FOR BOTH FAMILIES, BRAD HALL IS MY NEIGHBOR I USE TO BABYSIT HIM WHEN HE WAS LITTLE. I COULDNT BE MORE PROUD OF HIM AS IF HE WAS MY OWN, HE HAS A A BIG HEART AND LOVING FAMILY AND 2 BEAUTIFUL BABY BOYS, AND IF ANYTHING COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED BY HIM IT WOULD HAVE BEEN DONE. I ALSO KNEW MICHAEL HE USE TO PLAY WITH MY SON 3-4 YEARS AGO , HE WAS A NEIGHBOR THEN, HE WAS A GOOD BOY THAT JUST GOT IN WITH THE WRONG CROWD, AND MADE SOME BAD CHOICES. THE LESSON HERE TO ALL OF HIS FRIENDS , MAKE GOOD CHOICES LOVE EVERYONE EVERYDAY , AND ENJOY LIFE TOMMORROW IT COULD BE GONE
Posted by: val on Aug 7, 2008 at 01:43 PM
I am very sorry for the loss of another child in another ATV accident. For that matter, I am very sorry for the loss of anyone in another ATV accident. That said, how many people will have to die before something is done? How many lives will be lost and bodies irreparably damaged just because someone wanted to have "some fun"? Just because you have safety rules and safety equipment and laws does not mean that people will abide by them. The only way to stop these senseless deaths is to take away the ATV's. Yes, I know that there are responsible riders out there, but there are obviously too many riders that are not. Please don't let one more person die - wake up folks - these things are NOT toys!
Posted by: CJ on Aug 7, 2008 at 01:40 PM
Anonymous-"too bad, so sad". "Too bad" you can not empathize with the families of those involved and mourn the loss of such a young, precious life. "So sad" that you can judge so freely while without a doubt there have been instances in your own life where you may have made an unwise choice.
Posted by: Becki on Aug 7, 2008 at 01:36 PM
Somebody wrote to bad so sad. Are you freaking kidding me. No maybe it should not have been on the road, but he was a young boy, and young boys think they are the best four wheeler drivers in the world. You should she ashamed of your self for saying that. I am sure you done something in your life that was not a good idea to, but you were just lucky. My heart goes out to this young mans family. I am so sorry for your.
Posted by: 4 wheeler rider on Aug 7, 2008 at 01:29 PM
I think that if everyone would wear helmets then you do have a lot better chance of survival. My husband would not wear a helmet until his friend was injured on and ATV. That woke everyone up who rides with us. I hope that everyone can realize how important it is. Another thing DO NOT put small children on ATV's because it is not safe and their little bodies have not chance at all. Please protect yourselves and the little ones. WEAR YOUR HELMET!!!!!
Posted by: Jamie on Aug 7, 2008 at 10:59 AM
Man this is terrible and hard to believe! R.I.P. Michael
Posted by: CONCERNED on Aug 7, 2008 at 10:51 AM
to Anonymous "to bad so sad" you have no heart, someone was killed, have a little more respect.. My prayers are with the family..
Posted by: johnee on Aug 7, 2008 at 10:50 AM
man, i dont even kno what to say, all i kno is, noone deserves this so anyone who thinks that dont even post your comments. we all love an miss michael terribly. he was my bestfriend, i miss you mike your with me forever
Posted by: karen on Aug 7, 2008 at 10:34 AM
I really feel for this family, this is such a tragic accident. These kids are fearless now days, and it takes something like this to open their eyes. My prayers are with this family and the driver of the truck because he is dealing with alot now too. May god bless you all.
Posted by: Concerned on Aug 7, 2008 at 10:34 AM
To Anonymous: You are right in that the ATV probably didn't belong on the road, but for you to say TOO BAD SO SAD??? How do you think this makes this boy's family and friends feel? I didn't know this young man but no-one deserves to die like this, no matter how many rules were broken. I feel sorry for you Anonymous. You must be a very cold-hearted and cruel person. To those of you praying for the family of this young man, maybe we can remember to whisper a prayer for Anonymous too? He/she obviously needs them.
Posted by: Charlie on Aug 7, 2008 at 10:03 AM
Our prayers are with this family ,we are so sorry for your loss.....My son has a 4 wheeler, I supervise his every moment while riding & if he doesn't obey my rules that I have explained to him time & again, then it is taken away for awhile put up into the garage no questions. It's in peoples nature to push the limit. One thing I think would help curb the riding of atv,s on roadways is for them to be forfeited to the state if caught on the public roadway (blacktop) . Again I am very sorry .
Posted by: Pablo on Aug 7, 2008 at 09:49 AM
My thoughts and prayers are for this young man's family. Parents, instruct your children on the correct ways to operate ATVs. And as much as you wish to be a "good" parent to your children, children do need boundries. ATVs are not for every child.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 7, 2008 at 08:30 AM
I live on Jakes Good Road. That is such a dangerious curve. It scares my family to pull out or into our street. Living there, we see ATV's and dirt bikes on the main road all the time passing us dangerously in curves and driving recklessly. His death sould bring attention to the other kids in the area of what could happen if you do stupid things like this.
Posted by: Debbie on Aug 7, 2008 at 08:14 AM
Very sad to hear when these things happen, but the ATV should not be on the road speeding. I would NEVER allow a child of mine to ride one in that matter, I'll never understand those that do. I saw a guy with 2 young children (noone wearing helmets) riding on Rt 2 recently. DUMB!
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 7, 2008 at 07:57 AM
I knew Mikey very briefly. He was a great kid. He didn't deserve this, nor does his family.
Posted by: Carlos on Aug 7, 2008 at 07:46 AM
TAD, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- The Kanawha County Sheriff's Department says speed and reckless driving could be factors in an ATV accident that killed a teenager. They fail to mention he shouldnt have been on the highway in the first place.
Posted by: another mom on Aug 7, 2008 at 07:40 AM
My heart is broke for Michael's mom and dad. I watched Michael grow up playing with my son and always enjoying life. I hope that all the young guys and girls that knew Michael will stop and think before you start to do something dangerous. We all like to have fun but we need to make sure that at the end of the day our fun hasn't cost us our lives. Michael was a very sweet and caring young man and it is a horrible thing that we lost him in our community and the world has lost a wonderful person, all because of a bad decision to ride a four wheeler on a main road. I hope that everyone on Campbell's Creek will stop and think before they ride the roads esspecially with the childeren. We need to be their parents and teach them to obey the laws so this doesn't happen to another family, another child, another friend. My thoughts and prayers are with Michael's family. Please remember our childeren are what we make them, so love them and teach them well.
Posted by: PARENT on Aug 7, 2008 at 04:26 AM
First i really feel for the families of the young man and the the driver of the truck.this was horriable accident i just live a mile away from where it happend. it's no surprise this was going to happen i hate it but no surprise. i would see this atv everyday speeding up and down the road. all day long there is at least 1 or 2 riding the main road .i thought it was the man who always has a toddler on the front and a looks like a 5 yr holding tight on the back no helmets and speeding i wish people would wake up. nonthing wrong with riding but stay off the main roads and stop speeding and for god sake leave the babies off if your going to sneak and do it. dont ever think it wont happen to u god be with all that do , do it. i hope the man with the babies read this and learn stop i fear for these babies if i knew who u were i would get the babies taken away for their safety please love them enough not to ride with them god be with the families of this accident
Posted by: tyler roy on Aug 7, 2008 at 01:13 AM
mike man i will miss u bro u was always suxh i cool person n u was alwayz with there for me all i can say man is ur n a better placen ile see u when i there man we all love n miss alot
Posted by: jeremy on Aug 7, 2008 at 12:49 AM
michael was my best friend ever since he was in kindergarten. i cant believe that ur actually gone. i told u so many times along with other people that u were going 2 get hurt one of these days. but the worst possible thing happened, u lost your life, and i lost my best friend. i will never forget you, and i will always be looking up at you. i miss you already so much, you will always be my boy.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 7, 2008 at 12:19 AM
too bad so sad. It didn't belong on the road to begin with.
Posted by: Barbara on Aug 7, 2008 at 12:14 AM
I live in Boone County and we have some people who drive these Atv,s on the road all the time It's usually the ones who have no operators to drive a car to the bar so the find another way1 Then they have three or four kids hanging on for their life, with no head gear what so ever!We had one guy who drove his riding lawnmower on the main road to the neighbour hood bar until he totaled it out! these should be off road vehicles only and head gear should be worn or pay a fine. Does anyone agree?
Posted by: Donna2 on Aug 7, 2008 at 12:11 AM
When I moved back from NC 9 years ago, there was a guy that died just above the Dairy Mart in the straight stretch. What the other Donna said earlier is true, you do always see atv's on that road. Most traveling at high speeds. Another thing that I saw, or should I say heard 100 times a day, was coal trucks flying up and down the road. People complain about the weight of the trucks but I say speed is the issue. Just my opinion. That road is crazy, people flyin, passin ya, drivin drunk or pullin out in front of ya. Glad I don't live there anymore. My condolences to all of the families involved, this is really heart breaking..
Posted by: lisa on Aug 6, 2008 at 11:37 PM
my prayers are with the parents of michael.may god be with you now, please lean on god and each other right now.all that knew michael will miss him,and his smiling face.michael may you rest in peace .we will all miss you and will always love you,we will never forget you
Posted by: Haileah on Aug 6, 2008 at 11:32 PM
we all will miss you michael both families are in my prayers
Posted by: ANONYMOUS on Aug 6, 2008 at 11:06 PM
THIS IS SUCH A TRAGEDY. THIS SHOULD BE AN EXAMPLE TO ALL TEENAGERS THAT YOU ARE NOT BEYOND DESTRUCTION. THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU ARE DOING AND THE OUTCOMES THAT CAN HAPPEN. NOW TWO FAMILIES WILL BE DESTROYED, IN MANY SAD WAYS. MICHAEL I WILL MISS YOUR SMILING FACE.
Posted by: kathy on Aug 6, 2008 at 10:40 PM
i fill sorry for the family
Posted by: Cory on Aug 6, 2008 at 09:59 PM
Michael man, i've known you for ever and it's hard knowing your gone. I miss ya already bro
Posted by: michael skiles on Aug 6, 2008 at 09:28 PM
Michael man i will miss you, you have been a good friend and was always there but we all know that your at a better place but i'll be looking up at you man...... i miss you already A MEN
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 6, 2008 at 09:21 PM
it doesnt matter if it isnt safe or it is. i live up there too, i know all about it. this is a wake up call for everyone. micheal was an amazing boy who didnt deserve his life to be taken away. i went to school with him and i miss him terribly. ATV's are dangerous, but people wont change. even something like this wont shake them, unless they knew micheal personally.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 6, 2008 at 09:20 PM
i went to school with Micheal and we didnt really talk or anything but i was very shocked when someone told me that he died today from an atv crash. i had a few classes with him at riverside. it was very shocking because he was just 16. i still cant believe it even though ive just read it myself. his family and friends will be in my prayers and also the guy who was driving the truck!
Posted by: rebecca knight on Aug 6, 2008 at 09:07 PM
michael we will miss you!
Posted by: taylor on Aug 6, 2008 at 08:50 PM
i will miss you micheal <33333 you were a good friend and always will be.
Posted by: Beth Ann on Aug 6, 2008 at 08:36 PM
How sad. Prayers are with the family and friends of the victim. Also prayers with the driver of the truck.
Posted by: Donna on Aug 6, 2008 at 08:23 PM
The accident happened very close to where I live. Not very long ago, another young man lost his life just a mile down the road on an ATV. It doesn't surprise me because I see ATVs being driven on main Campbells Creek road quite often. I have had ATVs on my bumper as I have been going about 40 miles an hour. I have had ATVs pull out in front of my vehicle. Many times, teenagers are driving them and are not wearing any protective gear. I feel very sorry for the family, and for the driver of the truck. This accident will haunt him for the rest of his life. I can only hope that this sends a loud message to others who want to risk their lives driving an ATV on Campbells Creek road. Its against the law, and its just a stupid, deadly thing to do.
Posted by: unknown on Aug 6, 2008 at 07:05 PM
may god be with this persons family
Posted by: concerned/cville on Aug 6, 2008 at 07:01 PM
Our thoughts and prayers are with all involved!
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