13-year-old boy killed in ATV crash near Auburn

AUBURN, Wash. -- King County Sheriff's deputies say a 13-year-old was killed when the ATV he was riding went down a steep embankment.

The teen was riding with a group of people on private property. Apparently, no one saw the accident involving the boy, and the other riders told deputies they didn’t realize he was missing until they all returned from riding.

It is believed he missed a turn near a steep ravine, and ended up down the embankment.



Deputies say it appears he was wearing a helmet.

Firefighters arrived on scene but could not revive the teen.

Detectives are now investigating.

The American Academy of Pediatrics, has issued recommendations that no one below the age of 16 be allowed to operate off-road vehicles.

In Washington state, kids below the age of 16 can operate ATV's if they wear a helmet and are riding with someone who is at least 18.

Editor's note: The King County Sheriff's Office originally said the boy was 14 but later corrected his age to 13.