A 19-year-old Bartow man died early Sunday morning following an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) crash at the River Ranch Hunt Club near Lake Wales.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, deputies and members of Polk County Fire Rescue were dispatched at approximately 2:34 a.m. on May 31, 2026, to the River Ranch Hunt Club located at 18550 County Road 630.
Due to the remote location of the crash, which occurred several miles off the roadway, first responders were transported to the scene by members of the Sheriff’s Office Agriculture Unit.
The preliminary investigation indicates the victim had been riding his ATV with friends who were also operating off-road vehicles. At some point during the ride, his friends realized he was no longer traveling with the group and turned around to look for him.
When they located him, they found him trapped underneath his overturned ATV. Witnesses reported that he was initially semi-conscious but soon became unresponsive.
Those at the scene immediately began CPR until emergency personnel arrived. Despite their efforts, the young man succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators believe the crash occurred when the rider attempted to make a sharp turn. Evidence at the scene suggests the ATV’s wheels dug into the soft dirt, causing the vehicle to overturn.
Authorities said the victim was not wearing a helmet or any other protective safety equipment at the time of the crash.
The crash remains under investigation by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
