Bouse woman dies in ATV accident

Debbie Laxton, 53, of Bouse, died after failing to negotiate a turn on a rural road on her 2005 Bombardier all terrain vehicle. The accident happened approximately at 9 p.m., Aug. 28, at 68 Street and Plog Way, which is off McVay Road, according to La Paz County Sheriff’s Office spokesman, Lt. Linc Gilbert.

Laxton was visiting neighbors and was driving down Plog Way at a high rate of speed, witnesses stated. She failed to negotiate a curve at 68 1/2 Street and ran into a utility pole. She was not wearing a helmet and the ATV rolled on top of her.

Gilbert said other ATV riders were following her and they removed the ATV off Laxton. He said she suffered major head trauma and sheriff’s deputies attempted life-saving efforts. The Care Flight crew arrived and pronounced her dead at the scene.

Gilbert stated an investigation may determine if alcohol was a factor.

“This is the fourth ATV fatality in the county this year — in the Bouse and Salome areas. People need to wear the proper safety equipment — wear a helmet,” he stated.