On Aug. 19, at approximately 5:15 p.m., Gypsumville RCMP responded to a report that a passenger had been injured while riding on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) on the Little Saskatchewan First Nation.

 

Investigators learned the passenger – a 25-year-old female – was riding on an ATV being driven by a 31-year-old male when she fell off of the vehicle and hit the gravel road. She was not wearing a helmet at the time of the incident. Efforts to revive the victim were unsuccessful and she died at the scene.

 

The driver, also from Little Saskatchewan First Nation, was arrested.

 

Mason Campbell, 31, of Little Saskatchewan First Nation is charged with:

• Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death; and
• Impaired driving causing death.

 

Campbell remains in custody.

 

The second collision occurred later that day, at approximately 10:10 p.m., when Thompson Rural RCMP were notified of a collision involving two youth and an ATV in Brochet.

 

RCMP were advised there was a 14-year-old male that was already at the nursing station where he was being treated for serious injuries. They learned that a 13-year-old male, from South Indian Lake, had been driving an ATV on the street without headlights when he struck the other teen. The injured youth was transported to hospital in Winnipeg for further treatment and has since been released.

 

Thompson Rural RCMP continue to investigate.

 

Manitoba RCMP is reminding everyone to stay safe when riding in ATVs and off-road vehicles (ORV). To date, six people have died this year in collisions involving ATVs and ORVs. Injuries that require hospitalization have also been a frequent occurrence.

 

ATV and ORV drivers are reminded to:

• Not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
• Wear a helmet that is securely fastened;
• Wear your seat belt if your ORV is equipped;
• Learn about the area you’re riding in and ensure you are carrying your cellphone and/or GPS device;
• Tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to be back. Better yet, ride in a group of two or more;
• Not carry a passenger unless your ORV is designed for two riders;
• Not operate an ORV on a roadway. Crossing a roadway is permitted if you hold a valid driver’s license; and
• No person under the age of 14 is allowed to operate an ORV unless supervised and accompanied by an adult.