Teen killed in ATV accident in Wolcott

WOLCOTT, Conn. (WTNH) -- A Terryville teen died after crashing an ATV into a closed gate in Wolcott Sunday morning.

The accident occurred around 1:30 a.m., at the dead end of Beecher Road.

Upon arrival, police found 14-year-old Christopher Bard to have extensive chest injuries. He was taken to Bristol Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

After investigating it was learned that Bard had been riding ATV's with his 32-year-old uncle, Ronald Markeveys. The two left the uncle's home in Bristol around 9:30 p.m. on Saturday night, each driving an ATV. Police said they were riding on the power line trails and paths in the Bristol/Wolcott area.

Just prior to the accident, they were on the New Britain watershed property, located at the dead end of Beecher Road. 

Police said they were fishing, when it started to downpour and they decided to head back to Markeveys home. When the teen exited the watershed property to drive onto Beecher Road he struck the gate.

"I believe the youth was holding on to his hood as he was driving the quad," said Chief Edward Stephens. "He probably had his head down and he drove into the pole."

Markeveys tended to Bard, then drove to his home, which was five minutes away from the scene, to call 911. Police said the Markeveys did not have a cell phone on him.

Police said neither Bard or Markeveys were wearing helmets.

The investigation is ongoing.

When everything has been analyzed, Chief Stephens believes that Markeveys will be held responsible in some way for his nephew's death.

"There is probably charges coming forth," Stephens said. "We are going to gather all the information we can and send it to the state's attorney who will take it from there."

A regional team is reconstructing the accident.

Funeral arrangements for Bard are still pending.