SALT LICK – A small boy and his teenage aunt died as a result of an ATV crash over the weekend, with another teen still hospitalized with serious injuries.
On Saturday, November 5, Magoffin County Dispatch notified the Magoffin County Coroner’s Office of a single vehicle accident on Route 7 close to the Salt Lick entrance, according to Deputy Coroner Brian Parker.
The vehicle was identified as a 2018 Polaris Razor, two-seater ATV.
Upon Parker’s arrival to the scene, he told Mortimer Media Group Angelica Faith Rife, age 15, was pronounced deceased. Her 4-year-old nephew, Brantston Lee Hill, was transported to ARH Paintsville, where he later passed away due to his injuries.
The 15-year-old driver of the ATV was airlifted to another medical facility, with critical injuries, and where he remains at press time.
Parker said the area where the wreck occurred is in a straight stretch, but they believe the driver lost control of the ATV.
In Kentucky State Police press release, Post 9 Accident Reconstructionist Trooper Ryan Hale is investigating the wreck, with initial investigations indicating that the vehicle exited the roadway, went over an embankment, and struck a tree.
Parker told Mortimer Media Group, “No matter how you look at it, it’s just a tragic loss for this community and for the families and friends.”
Angelica Faith Rife, 15 years old, was a student at Magoffin County High School, with the school posting to social media, “The faculty and students of Magoffin County High School wish to extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Angelica Rife. Angelica was a member of our Hornet family. We are certain that she had a bright future ahead of her. While she will be deeply missed, her memory will live on in the hearts of all those who were fortunate enough to know her.”
Magoffin County Schools were canceled for Thursday to allow for students and faculty to attend Rife’s and Hill’s funeral. Full funeral arrangements for both children can be found on page A4 of this week’s paper.
