MISSOULA, Mont. — An 8-year-old boy died following an ATV crash on Saturday evening near Butcher Knife Divide in Judith Basin County.
According to the Cascade County Sheriff's Office, deputies responded at 6:51 p.m. on August 30 to the intersection of U.S. Highway 89 and Hughesville Road for an investigation. The boy had been riding an ATV alone when he advanced ahead of his family. His father later discovered him unresponsive on the roadway.
Sgt. Sanders facilitated transportation for the child and his father to meet medical personnel, where lifesaving efforts continued for over 30 minutes. The child was pronounced dead at 7:51 p.m. Sheriff Jesse Slaughter and detectives later arrived to document the scene.
Authorities confirmed the child was wearing a helmet, which was severely damaged in the crash. An autopsy has been requested.
The investigation is being conducted as a mutual aid request from Judith Basin County Sheriff Hayes, with support from the Montana Highway Patrol, the U.S. Forest Service, and Cascade County, which is acting as coroner. The child's identity has not been disclosed.