12-Year-Old Girl Dies in Tragic ATV Crash Near Grape Creek

Tom Green County Sheriff David Jones confirmed Saturday evening at 8:30 p.m that a 12-year-old girl has died from injuries sustained in an ATV accident on the El Escondrijo Ranch south of Grape Creek, just off U.S. 87. According to the sheriff, as many as six people could have been on the ATV when the crash happened. He said his investigators were still interviewing witnesses and survivors as of Saturday night.

The Sheriff also said a six-year-old boy was taken to Shannon Medical Center with incapacitating injuries from the same crash. Both crash victims were transported by ambulance, he said. Airmed 1 was on the scene, but apparently not utilized; it left empty.

The crash happened just after 7 p.m.

The ATV was a Polaris Ranger Crew vehicle with places for six people. The back seat was elevated where the legs were parallel with the roll-protection roof. The Ranger appeared to have been used to transport the injured to the U.S. 87 intersection.

From observation of the crash scene, it appeared that the investigation was occurring approximately 1/4 mile down the main private road leading to the interior of the ranch. According to signs at the ranch entrance, the ranch is owned by Basic Energy. A witness at the scene said that the ranch was used for hunting and recreation to entertain corporate guests and employees.

Sheriff Jones said that he will update us when more information becomes available.

As it happened:

Airmed 1 has been dispatched to a crash involving a Polaris Ranger ATV at U.S. 87 N. and Grape Creek Road, where traffic has dropped down to one lane.

Tom Green County Sheriff's Deputies, Grape Creek VFD, the San Angelo Fire Rescue and three ambulances responded to the scene.

Two ambulances, followed by a deputy, are heading back to San Angelo with lights and sirens on running. A third ambulance left the scene without emergency lights on. A man involved in the accident has been placed on a headboard.

The accident appears to have taken place on private property on a road near the highway, at El Escondrijo Ranch.

Update 7:43 p.m.

The accident appears to to have occurred about a half-mile down the ranch road for El Escondrijo Ranch. A deputy and a DPS Trooper are conducting an investigation in the area. The road has a posted speed limit of 30 mph.

Damage to the Polaris is visible; the top of it appears to be scratched up. 

Update 8:12 p.m.

The investigation is ongoing, and Sheriff David Jones has confirmed that a male juvenile was transported to the hospital with incapacitating injuries. 

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.