ATV Accident Injures Two, Transported by Helicopter to Nashville Hospitals

An accident on Wednesday evening, October 1st, injured a Waynesboro man who was operating the ATV on his own property in northern Wayne County. His 10-year-old son, who was riding in the back seat, suffered injuries as well, but thankfully they were less serious.

According to the report filed by Tennessee Highway Patrol State Trooper Jacob Davis, at approximately 6:52 p.m. on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, Kenneth Daniel Howell, age 43, was operating a Polaris Ranger side-by-side ATV on his property off Big Possum Road in northern Wayne County. Benjamin Nally, age 34, and Howell’s 10-year-old son were passengers in the ATV. Trooper Davis stated that Howell approached an approximately 15-yard sloped drop-off at a speed that was most likely greater than it should have been. As the ATV crested the hill and began its descent, Howell lost control, hit one tree and bounced off, then struck another tree head-on.

The ATV sustained massive damage, with the crossbar being snapped in half and the frame being bent in such a way that Howell was trapped inside. Trooper Davis and others at the scene were able to extricate Howell from the wrecked ATV fairly quickly, rather than waiting on a rescue crew and equipment that was estimated to take at least another half hour to arrive. Both passengers were able to get out of the ATV on their own.

Howell reportedly sustained the most serious injuries in the accident, mostly to his head and facial area. He was transported by helicopter to Skyline Medical Center in Nashville, where he remained in stable condition as of press time. Howell’s 10-year-old son sustained a broken nose during the accident and was transported by helicopter to Vanderbilt Hospital. He was treated and released later that night.

Nally, the third passenger in the ATV, sustained no apparent injuries in the accident. He reportedly later went by private vehicle to a local hospital for evaluation and was released.

Trooper Davis stated that neither alcohol nor drugs were suspected to have been a factor in the accident.