CLEVELAND WOMAN DIES IN ATV ACCIDENT - Rock Run Declared Off Limits

(07/07/2003)
A Cleveland, Ohio woman, died Saturday night after she either struck or was pinned against a tree in the remote Rock Run section of Wirt County.

She was a passenger on an ATV operated by Adam Paul Brown II of Akron, Ohio.

State Police have identified the woman as 23-year-old January Pierce. Brown lost control of the vehicle coming out of a turn and ran off the roadway. The 4-wheeler overturned and struck a tree, killing Pierce on impact.

Brown was treated at Minnie Hamilton Health Care Center and released.

State Police say neither Brown nor Pierce were wearing a helmet.

The accident is still under investigation.

Rock Run is a remote area frequented by ATV and dirt bike riders, and known for partying.The West Virginia Department of Natural Resources recently videotaped problems in the area after the current owner purchased the land from Westvaco.

The owners had ordered all people off their land prior to this incident, complaining about littering and damage, but users are apparently returning to the well-known gathering place.

Calhoun EMS responded to the accident scene with members of the Grantsville Volunteer Fire Department.