Authorities in Perry County have carried out two search warrants as part of an ongoing investigation into a fatal ATV crash that killed a teenage girl.
The Perry County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the warrants were connected to the crash that happened Saturday night on Oakwood Avenue in Vicco. The incident involved two girls and two men riding on an ATV when the 16-year-old driver reportedly lost control and the vehicle went over a culvert-style embankment.
Emilynn Clark, 16, a passenger on the ATV and a sophomore at Perry County Central High School, died in the crash.
Investigators said one of the search warrants targeted the cellphone of Noah Back, the reported owner of the ATV. Officials noted that the warrant was issued due to suspicion of a separate, unrelated crime, though details about that allegation were not disclosed. Authorities also did not reveal the purpose of the second warrant.
Alcohol is believed to have played a role in the crash. The 16-year-old driver, whose name has not been released because she is a minor, has been charged with DUI.
Officials have not confirmed whether Back was one of the men riding on the ATV at the time of the crash, and he has not been charged with any crime as of Thursday morning.
The investigation remains ongoing, and social services has launched a separate review. School officials said the community is mourning Clark’s death and extended condolences to her family and friends as the investigation continues.