PULASKI COUNTY BOY DIES AS ATV AND PICKUP TRUCK COLLIDE

VILLA RIDGE, Ill. -- A 14-year-old Pulaski County boy was killed and another boy seriously injured Saturday, when the 3-wheel all-terrain vehicle on which they were riding collided with a pickup truck on the Shiloh Road, a short distance west of Villa Ridge.

Illinois State Police at Ullin said Matthew Whitley, who was driving the ATV, died from injuries sustained in the crash. A passenger on the ATV, Kenneth Henderson, 11, of Mounds, was transported by medical helicopter to the St. Francis Medical Center where he was listed in serious condition.

Police said the pickup truck, driven by Larry Essex, 43, of Villa Ridge, was southbound on the gravel road. The ATV crossed over into the path of the pickup and was struck head on, authorities said.

The accident occurred at 3:55 p.m.