Indiana Conservation Officers are conducting an investigation into a Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV) crash that took the life of a 10 year-old girl here in Switzerland County on Sunday, July 26th.
Cydney Jackson of Franklin, Indiana, was the passenger in the UTV when the vehicle crashed and rolled on top of her and causing serious bodily injury.
At approximately 12:15 p.m. on Sunday, Indiana Conservation Officers were contacted by Switzerland County about an ATV accident involving injuries. Once on scene it was apparent the UTV had rolled over with Cydney Jackson underneath.
The driver of the UTV, Billie Pierce of Center Square, was operating the UTV on her property on Barker Road with her friend in the passenger seat. The passenger, Charlene Coner, was the mother of Cydney; and Cydney was in the bed of the UTV.
The cause of the UTV being overturned is under investigation at this time. Cydney was recovered from underneath the UTV and airlifted to King’s Daughters’ Hospital where she was pronounced dead.
Indiana Conservation Officers strongly encourage citizens to know how to property operate an UTV before attempting to be behind the wheel. ICO also encourage the use of safety restraints and to follow manufacture restrictions on passenger placements.
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An obituary of Cydney Jackson is found on page A-3 of today’s edition.