Investigating Kentucky State Police Trooper Edward Abner says Dustin Mefford, 18, of Verda Camp Road in Evarts, was traveling north on Kentucky Highway 215 and lost control of his ATV when he apparently popped a wheelie, and landed on the back of his friend's fourwheeler. That ATV was being driven by Michael Goodie, 22, of Evarts. Mefford was thrown off Goodie's ATV and struck a 1999 Chevrolet van driven by Jamie Bryant, 27, of Kenver.
Mefford was not wearing a helmet, nor was Goodie. Mefford was pronounced dead at the scene by Harlan County Coroner Phillip Bianchi.
Neither Goodie nor Bryant were injured in the accident.
Trooper Abner says a mandatory chemical test was performed on all three that were involved in the fatal mishap.
Mefford, who graduated in May, was a football and basketball standout at Evarts High School.
He rushed for 1,466 yards and scored 16 touchdowns in his senior season, earning all-county and all-conference honors while leading the Wildcats to a playoff berth.
On the basketball court, he scored 506 points and averaged 13.3 points per game as a senior.
The team will hold a candlelight vigil tonight at 8:30 p.m. at the school's football field.
The collision is under investigation by Trooper Edward Abner and is being assisted by reconstructionist Trooper Curtis Pengleton along with James Earl Hensley, Marcus Williams and Sgt. Anthony Taulbee.
Debbie Caldwell of the Harlan Daily Enterprise, and C.J. Harte of the Daily News contributed to this article.
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