FORSYTH COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

ATV ACCIDENT CLAIMS LIFE OF TWO YEAR-OLD

A two year-old Forsyth County child died late yesterday of injuries sustained in an accident while he was a passenger in an all-terrain vehicle.

The victim, Nicholas Ryan Gardner, was riding with his father and a nine year-old female in a 2002 Polaris Ranger 4 X 4 when the ATV ran off a five-foot retaining wall and overturned, ejecting all occupants.  The accident occurred shortly before 6:00 p.m.

According to Forsyth County Traffic Specialist Chris Shelton, none of the occupants were wearing seat belts and the female was driving the ATV when the accident occurred.

The accident happened at a private residence in Breeze Bay subdivision off Flowery Branch Road near Lake Lanier.

Young Gardner was flown by helicopter to Scottish Rite Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries shortly after his arrival.  His father was treated at Northside Atlanta Hospital and released.  The nine year-old female was treated at Northeast Georgia Medical Center and released.

No charges have been filed pending completion of an investigation into the cause.