SIDNEY, KY – A Christmas day all-terrain-vehicle accident took the life of an 18-year-old at Dix Fork.

According to Mike Gobel, spokesperson for the Kentucky State Police, Andy Casey, of Dix Fork, Sidney, was killed when the ATV he was operating struck a tree. It is believed that the left front tire came off the ATV and Casey struck the tree. Casey was transported to South Williamson Appalachian Regional Hospital by First Response Ambulance where he was pronounced deceased by Dr. Brandon Haake.

The victim was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

Big Creek Fire Department assisted Trooper Chris Phillips of the Kentucky State Police at the scene.

Casey was a student at Belfry High School. Belfry Principal Rod Varney said Casey was well regarded by fellow students.

“The young man was a senior and well liked at the school. I don’t know anyone who didn’t like Andy,” Varney said.

He added the loss will be felt by everyone at Belfry.

“Any time you lose a student it’s devastating to the school. It is a difficult time for everyone,” he said. “Somebody lost a child, somebody lost a friend and then we all lost a student.”

It’s just tragic that young lives have to be taken at such an early age, Varney said.

“It’s just a difficult thing to deal with, especially at Christmas.”