A fun and relaxing outing turned tragic when a 46-year-old woman lost her life in an ATV accident on County Road 30.
First responders from the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, Lawrence Township Fire Department, and EMS were dispatched to the scene around 5 p.m. When they arrived, they found Emilie Gail Maynard, 46, lying unresponsive next to a green-and-black 2019 Honda Pioneer 700 side-by-side UTV. Despite extensive CPR efforts from EMS personnel, Maynard was pronounced dead at the scene.
The accident occurred on private property, and multiple family members were present at the time of the incident. Deputies quickly secured the area with yellow tape and initiated a crime scene log. The Lawrence County Coroner’s Office and an investigator were notified and responded to the scene.
According to statements given to investigators, Maynard had been riding in the UTV with two other family members — who was driving, and a juvenile referred who was seated in the middle. The driver told deputies that while driving back toward the house, Maynard lost her hat. In an attempt to retrieve it, she began turning the UTV around. That’s when the vehicle rolled.
Both the driver and the juvenile reported exiting the UTV after the rollover and quickly realized Maynard was severely injured and unresponsive. They called for help immediately, and her account was consistent with that of the juvenile passenger.
She also stated that no one involved had consumed alcohol, and she underwent a field sobriety test administered by law enforcement, which showed no signs of impairment.
A closer inspection of the UTV revealed the driver’s seatbelt was fastened, while the passenger seatbelt — where Maynard was seated — was not. All tires were intact and properly inflated. A phone was located near Maynard’s body, placed in airplane mode, and logged into evidence.
Maynard’s body was taken into the care of Hall’s Funeral Home at the request of the county coroner’s office. An external examination is planned to determine the precise cause of death.
ATV Safety Reminder
This heartbreaking incident reminds us how quickly joyrides on off-road vehicles can turn dangerous — even deadly. Here are a few safety tips for ATV and UTV riders:
- Always wear a seatbelt or harness, even for short trips.
- Use helmets and protective gear, especially when riding on uneven terrain.
- Avoid sudden maneuvers, like sharp turns at speed or on inclines.
- Know your terrain — soft ground, steep grades, or obstacles can cause rollovers.
- Never exceed the recommended number of passengers for the vehicle.
- Don’t assume familiarity means safety — even experienced drivers can have accidents.
The investigation into the accident remains open pending the coroner’s report.