2 killed in ATV crashes

ATV accidents on July Fourth killed a woman in Barnum Township and a man in Holyoke township.

Tricia Jean Lanthier, 47, of Proctor, died of injuries received in the Barnum Township crash, which was likely caused by limited visibility from excessive dust.

Emergency personnel responded to a 911 call at 11:40 a.m. Saturday, reporting an ATV crash at the intersection of County Road 139 and County Road 6 in Barnum Township. Carlton County Sheriff’s deputies and the Minnesota State Patrol responded along with Emergency Medical Services from the Barnum and Blackhoof Fire Departments and Mercy Hospital Ambulancee.

A Life Link III helicopter was sent to the scene and transported Lanthier to Essentia Hospital St Mary’s in Duluth. Lanthier died at the hospital later in the day.

The initial investigation revealed that the Lanthier was driving an ATV within a group traveling south on C.R. 139. The four-wheelers created a large amount of dust on the gravel road and police believe the limited visibility obscured a stop sign, which the victim did not see until she was upon it at C.R. 6. When she attempted to stop, she lost control and the ATV rolled over on top of her. Lanthier was wearing a helmet and alcohol is not believed to be a factor in the crash. The crash remains under investigation by the Carlton County Sheriff’s Office.

Later the same day, a call came in reporting an ATV crash off Golf Course Road in Holyoke Township that killed a 48-year-old man.

Carlton County Sheriff’s deputies, along with the Minnesota State Patrol and Emergency Medical Services from the Kerrick Fire Department, Mercy Hospital Ambulance and a Life Link III Helicopter responded to the scene.

According to the Carlton County Sheriff’s Office, Seamus Patrick Flynn, of Minneapolis, had been driving an ATV on a portion of property off the Golf Course Road. It appeared the ATV had been traveling down a hill when it rolled over on top of the victim, pinning him. Life saving measures were attempted but he was pronounced dead at the scene. Flynn was not wearing a helmet and alcohol is not believed to be a factor.