Man dies in ATV accident
ATV rolls over during Mud Nationals event
BY LELAND ACKER

Excessive speed may have been the cause of an ATV accident that claimed the life of a Mississippi man at the Mud Nationals event at Mud Creek ATV Park near Jacksonville Thursday evening, said Chris White, detective with the Cherokee County Sheriff 's Office.

Samuel Shane Howard, 32, of Batesville, Miss., was killed when his four-wheeler left a trail in the ATV park and overturned, landing on top of him.

"A witness stated Mr. Howard was riding alone and was traveling at an excessive speed when the accident occurred," Det. White said. "The victim was apparently killed instantly."

The accident happened at approximately 4:45 p.m. EMS personnel from the park and ETMC responded to the accident. Justice of the Peace Vera Foreman pronounced the victim dead at the scene and ordered the body to be taken to Southeast Forensics in Tyler for an autopsy.

The Cherokee County Sheriff's office is investigating the accident.

Aside from the death of Mr. Howard, Det. White said things have gone well at Mud Creek Park this year.

"They've doubled security from last year," he said. "Things seem to be going well."

Mud Nationals is one of the premier annual events held at Mud Creek ATV Park.