SCIOTO COUNTY, Ohio — Tragedy struck Doctor Singleton Park in West Portsmouth over the weekend, when an ATV crashed, resulting in the death of a seven-year-old boy and the arrest of the driver; alcohol is a suspected factor.
According to Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman, his office received multiple 911 calls reporting the crash at around 3:45 p.m.
“Initial reports called into 911 advised that the ATV had struck a wire which caused the driver, 42-year-old Jeremy Daniel Bryant, and a child-rider to be ejected from the ATV,” Sheriff Thoroughman said. “Deputies, along with EMS from Portsmouth Ambulance, responded to the scene.”
Both the driver — Bryant — and the passenger, seven-year-old Wyatt Moore were transported to Southern Ohio Medical Center for treatment. Sadly, Moore did not survive and was transported to Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, where he passed away from his injuries sustained in the crash. Detectives from the Sheriff’s Office traveled to Grant Medical Center, where Bryant had been transferred. They obtained a statement from him and subsequently arrested him on multiple charges.
“Mr. Bryant was arrested at Grant Medical Center on charges of Involuntary Manslaughter, a felony of the 1st degree, Child Endangerment, a felony of the 3rd degree, and Operating a Motor Vehicle While Under the Influence,” Sheriff Thoroughman said.
Bryant will be transported back to Scioto County once a Rule 4 hearing is completed in Franklin County. “Additional evidence will be presented to the Scioto County Grand Jury for consideration of additional charges,” Sheriff Thoroughman added.
The Scioto County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with any information about the incident to contact Captain Woodford at (740) 354-7306. This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible driving and the devastating consequences that can result from reckless behavior.
