Driver of four-wheeler charged in wreck that killed child

Louisburg, N.C. — The driver of a four-wheeler that was involved in a fatal wreck with a pickup truck in Franklin County this weekend was charged Monday with misdemeanor death by motor vehicle, according to the state Highway Patrol.

An 8-year-old boy who was riding on the four-wheeler was killed in the wreck.

Troopers said Trevor Tyler, 21, of Louisburg, was driving the four-wheeler with Brennon Lee Perry, 8, and Daeton Roth, 4, on board Saturday evening. He ran a stop sign on Reynolds Road at the N.C. Highway 561 intersection, about 15 miles northeast of Louisburg, troopers said.

A red pickup truck traveling west on N.C. 561 struck the four-wheeler, tossing Tyler, Perry and Roth from it.

Perry, of Warrenton, died at the scene.

Roth, of Henderson, was taken to Franklin Regional to be treated for minor injuries. Tyler was also taken to Franklin Regional, but his condition was not released.

Troopers said his injuries were not life-threatening.

The driver of the pickup, 33-year-old Ronald Pittman, of Warrenton, drove himself to Franklin Regional to be treated for minor wrist injuries.

Tyler is due in court Aug. 20.

Troopers said alcohol was not a factor in the wreck. It wasn't clear whether Tyler and the two boys were wearing helmets.

The relationship between the three was not released.

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Latest Comments

@robjustrob No, it is completely illegal to operate an ATV on the road.

S: 20-171.19. (e) Except as otherwise permitted by law, no person shall operate an all-terrain vehicle on any public street, road, or highway except for purposes of crossing that street, road, or highway.

jamesonlopp
May 22, 2012 4:57 p.m.

This was no accident folks. Just pure lack of good judgement that caused the life of a child. Sadly, it will never change, these tragedies will continue to happen. When you have a culture that considers riding atv's and dirt bikes as a rite of passage for their children, more deaths will follow. When there is no regard of motor vehicle laws, expect the worse. It will never change.

smhnraleigh
May 22, 2012 1:24 p.m.

The driver should not have even been on the road. If he had not been on the road illegally, then the accident could not have happened. I see people all the time riding on the road illegally with these. They were meant for off road riding. It is a shame that little boy had to pay the price for the driver being less than smart....trying not to say things to get blocked on here.

topfan4unc
May 22, 2012 9:06 a.m.

Paulawindley, read the 3rd paragraph again: it says "Travis Tyler, 21, was driving the four wheeler..."rabrantley

WRAL seems to have some confusion on the names because although it says Trevor Tyler, 21 was driving, it then says that Turner, Perry and Roth were tossed from the four wheeler.

Oh well either way a little boy lost his life and that has got to be very heart breaking for the family. I am very sorry for the life that was lost and pray for the family and all involved.