Erie, PA (May 27, 2024) – Erie police are still investigating a two-vehicle accident involving an all-terrain vehicle on the city’s east side on Monday but later confirmed one victim’s death related to the incident.

According to the Erie County Coroner’s Officer, Nathan Weeks, a 22-year-old New York man, was killed at the intersection of 26th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. The ATV was traveling northbound on Pennsylvania Avenue when it was involved in an accident with an SUV.

According to Deputy Chief Rick Lorah, Weeks was thrown from the ATV and suffered a large laceration to his neck with extensive blood loss. No further details have been released in connection with the incident, though officers are continuing to seek witnesses as part of their inquiry.

We extend our deepest condolences to the family of Nathan Weeks.

ATV Accidents in Pennsylvania

A study by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, published last year, showed startling statistics about the high frequency of hazardous and often deadly auto accidents in the Keystone State. And according to reports, every year in the US, between 300 and 400 people pass away from ATV-related crashes.

ATV explosions or fires are the cause of many of these incidents. Specifically, Kawasaki recalled over 6,000 off-road and all-terrain vehicles in one recent year because of potential fire concerns. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that over the last two decades, 682 ATV accidents in Pennsylvania resulted in fatalities. In fact, our state had the fourth-highest number of ATV deaths in the country during this time.

There is plenty of room in Pennsylvania for riding ATVs, which include quads, three-wheelers, four-wheelers, and even snowmobiles. These vehicles can be a lot of fun and can be excellent for agricultural labor and outdoor fun as well. However, off-road vehicles may be very dangerous, especially when driven by untrained individuals, on steep terrain, or when malfunctioning components cause explosions and fires.

If you’ve been hurt or lost a loved one in an ATV crash, you can trust our team of Erie wrongful death lawyers at the Slocum Firm to assist you and your family. Our commitment to injured victims throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania dates back to 2009. Knowing what victims go through, we at the Slocum Firm will do all it takes to keep you and yours protected during every step of the legal claim process. We will stop at nothing to safeguard your rights and get fair recompense. Call (570) 209-7376 to speak with an Erie vehicle accident lawyer about scheduling a free consultation today.