Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating an Off-Road Vehicle crash that claimed the life of a man early this afternoon.
At approximately 2:00 p.m., Christopher M. Crause, 24, of Holton, was operating a Honda TRX 300 ORV on a muddy path in a field near the 400 block of North County Road 850 West in Holton. Officials believe that Crause swerved to avoid a mud puddle in the path that he was operating on and struck an old abandoned pickup truck. Crause was ejected and the ORV rolled on top of him.
Christopher M. Crause was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Ripley County Coroner.
A friend of Crause located him sometime after the crash and called 911. He was found unconscious and began CPR until EMS arrived.
Crause was not wearing a helmet or any other protective gear at the time of the crash.
Indiana Conservation Officers, Ripley County Deputies, Indiana State Police, Holton Fire/EMS, Versailles Fire/EMS, Rescue 69 EMS and Ripley County EMS arrived shortly after the crash.
The crash is currently under investigation. It is believed that alcohol may have been a contributing factor.
Indiana Conservation Officers strongly encourage riders to wear helmets and necessary safety equipment, as well as understand all laws while operating an Off-Road Vehicle both on and off the roadway.