Hannah Bates was killed in an OHV wreck at Stony Lonesome OHV Park in Bremen on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018 / Photo courtesy of Facebook
BREMEN – A Cullman woman was killed in an incident at Stony Lonesome OHV Park early Saturday evening. Cullman County Coroner Jeremy L. Kilpatrick, who confirmed the death Saturday, identified the victim as Hannah Nicole Bates, 21. Kilpatrick said Bates died at the scene.
Stony Lonesome is a park for OHV, or "off-highway vehicles." It is owned by Cullman County and operated by Cullman County Parks and Recreation (CCP&R).
“It happened within minutes of the park closing, I think they were probably on their way back to check out,” said Doug Davenport, CCP&R director.
Davenport said the wreck occurred on a hill on one of the designated trails. He said the OHV involved was a RZR 900. The victim was a passenger. The driver was not hurt.
According to Davenport, where the wreck happened, “It doesn’t look like speed or anything would be a factor.”
“It’s a tragic event. There wasn’t a race.”
Davenport said it appears the victim was not wearing a seat belt.
Of the park employees, he said, “We’ve got a great bunch of people up there. It affects them. It affects them personally. They just talked to his person checking them in. They’re taking it pretty tough."
Cullman County Attorney Chad Floyd issued the following statement Saturday night:
"It is with heavy hearts that the Cullman County Commission and the staff of the Stony Lonesome OHV Park must report that one of our patrons lost their life today in an unfortunate trail riding accident. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of the individual involved in this terrible tragedy. The Park will remain closed through at least Wednesday, February 28, 2018."
On Monday, Floyd issued the following statement:
“At this time, the Cullman County Commission has no further information to release concerning the accident that occurred at Stony Lonesome OHV Park this weekend. Presently, the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office is conducting an investigation into the incident. Our continued thoughts and prayers go out to the family of the young woman who lost her life on Saturday night.”
When reached for comment on Monday afternoon, Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry said, “We are conducting an investigation at this time of the incident. Due to it being an ongoing investigation we are limited on the details we can release. My heart and prayers go out to the family over this tragic incident.”
This death is the third at the park in less than a year. Back on April 22, 2017, Lawrence Richey, 34, of Smiths Grove, Kentucky and Erin Duncan, 22, of Elkins, Arkansas were killed as the result of an ATV crash.
Stony Lonesome is located at 10075 Alabama Highway 69 South in Bremen.
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