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RANDLETT, Uintah County — An 11-year-old Uintah County girl died Saturday after she was injured in an ATV crash.
Courtney Celeste Kettle of Independence was operating the ATV alone — returning to her grandmother’s home in Randlett about noon — when she rolled the four-wheeler, according to Steinaker State Park assistant manager Jared Hayes, who investigated the accident because it involved an off-highway vehicle.
The ATV apparently landed on Kettle, causing fatal injuries to her head and neck, Hayes said. She was not wearing a helmet and was riding on a paved road at the time of the crash, he said.
A passerby saw Kettle, called 911 and performed first aid until emergency medical personnel arrived. Kettle was taken to the hospital where she was pronounced dead.
Kettle was a sixth grader at Eagle View Elementary School, where she was on the honor roll. She was “constantly talking, giggling and always happy,” and had a fondness for animals that led her to dream of becoming a veterinarian, according to her obituary.
“As a teacher, this is the worst day imaginable,” said Uintah School District Student Services Director Kevin Dickson. “It just breaks your heart.”
There is a counselor on staff at Eagle View to meet with students, Dickson said. Additional counselors will be called in, if needed, he said.
Email:geoff@ubstandard.com
