Wyocena, WI – A 12-year-old child died Saturday afternoon after becoming trapped beneath a rolled-over utility terrain vehicle (UTV) on a farm in central Wisconsin, according to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies said they received a 911 call at around 4 p.m. on August 9 reporting that a child had rolled over in a UTV and was pinned underneath.
Emergency Response
First responders, including deputies, firefighters, and EMS crews, rushed to the scene at a farm in the Town of Wyocena. Despite rapid efforts, the child was pronounced dead at the scene by arriving deputies.
The Columbia County Medical Examiner’s Office, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Rio Fire Department, Rio EMS, Wyocena Fire Department, and the Sheriff’s Office Chaplain Unit all assisted in the emergency response.
As reported by WAGB, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office has not yet shared whether the UTV rollover was due to mechanical failure, operator error, terrain conditions, or other contributing factors. Officials say more information may be released as the investigation continues.
UTV Safety on Farms
UTVs are widely used on farms for transportation, hauling, and other work-related tasks, but they can pose significant safety risks if not operated properly. Rollover accidents are among the most common causes of serious injury or death involving UTVs, particularly for young or inexperienced drivers.
Safety experts recommend the following precautions when operating a UTV:
- Always wear a helmet and use seatbelts when available
- Avoid sharp turns at high speeds, especially on uneven terrain
- Never allow children to operate adult-sized UTVs without training and supervision
- Limit the number of passengers to the vehicle’s design specifications
- Perform regular maintenance checks to ensure safe operation
Community Impact
The accident has left the Wyocena farming community grieving the loss of a young life. Local residents have expressed condolences and offered support to the child’s family.
Authorities stress that farm vehicle safety is critical, particularly during the busy summer months when children are more likely to be around active agricultural equipment.
What safety measures do you believe should be implemented to prevent UTV accidents involving children? Share your views below in the comment section.
