UTV accident claims life of 15-year old boy

Fourth of July family gathering turns tragic

 

DRYDEN — Tragedy struck the Dryden Township community and surrounding area when a 15-year old boy passed away during a Fourth of July family gathering.

According to a press release from the Dryden Township Police Department, officers responded to a home on Arini Dr. just before 7:30 p.m. on Friday, July 4th.

Police responded to the 3600 block of Arini Dr. (north of Dryden Rd.) in Dryden Township after receiving a report of a serious personal injury UTV / side x side crash involving the teen.

Prior to the crash, police were told there was a family gathering at the residence.

A 2022 Can Am Defender UTV was being operated on the private property.

The press release said moments later, various calls began coming into Lapeer County Central Dispatch indicating a 15-year-old Chesterfield Twp. male had been operating the UTV on private property when it overturned causing life threatening injuries to the teenager.

Though not identified by authorites, an obituary for the victim identified him as Everett Brown.

Immediately, including some of those who were at the gathering, other persons on scene attempted to render aid to Brown and called 911 for help.

Dryden Township Police, Dryden Township Fire / First Responders, and Lapeer County EMS immediately rushed to the scene to assist with rendering aid to the victim.

However, despite all lifesaving efforts by trained responders, Brown was pronounced deceased on scene by medical professionals.

He was the only occupant on the UTV at the time of the accident.

While the investigation of the incident took place at the scene, first responders also rendered medical aid to family members of Brown who had witnessed the incident and the ensuing rescue effort.

The Lapeer County Victims Services Unit was called to the scene to assist the grief-stricken family of the deceased teenager.

The Dryden Township Police Department was assisted at the scene by the Metamora Township Police Department, Almont Police Department, Lapeer County Sheriff’s Office, Michigan State Police, Lapeer County EMS, Dryden Township Fire Department, Lapeer County Accident Reconstruction Team, Lapeer County Victims Services Unit, and Lapeer County Central Dispatch.

Police say the incident remains under investigation and no further information was available at the time of the press release.

Following the tragic fatal incident, emergency responders, including the Dryden Township Police Department, urged the public to be safe while celebrating the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

Law enforcement agencies across the Tri-City Area report a busy holiday weekend, with numerous calls for assistance.