Staff Report
A Pineville man was killed on Saturday during a popular Halloween event in Bell County.
John Stephen Payne, 36 of Pineville, was driving his dirt bike at the Holler Crawler Haunted Forest Ride when he lost control and crashed head-on with an ATV, according to David Cornelius of the Bell County Sheriff’s Department.
Cornelius stated there was an attempt to airlift Payne by helicopter to a medical facility, but he stopped breathing and was rushed to Pineville Community Hospital (PCH). He later died from his injuries.
“My heart is literally broken for the Payne family,” said Bell County Judge-Executive Albey Brock. “This was a tragic accident and I encourage everyone to pray for and support the Payne family in this extremely difficult time.”
The teenager who was driving the ATV was also transported to PCH with a leg injury, according to Cornelius. No information has been received on the teenager’s condition. Deputy Mike Cooper is investigating the incident.
Payne was self employed in his company, Payne Custom Builders.
Visitation will be at the Brooks-Durham Funeral Home from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. today. The funeral is Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home.
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