Rhode Island man injured in ATV accident in Gorham – NH Fish and Game Department

CONTACT:
Conservation Officer Levi Frye
(603) 788-3164
September 28, 2024

Gorham, N.H. – On Saturday, September 28, 2024, at approximately 5:30 p.m., NH Fish and Game was notified of a single-vehicle ATV accident on the Presidential Rail Trail in Gorham.

A conservation officer, along with Gorham Fire and EMS personnel, were on scene to assist the patient, identified as John Allen, 39, of North Kingston, Rhode Island.

Evidence left at the scene, as well as statements from Allen and his group of drivers, indicated that Allen was first in a group of three machines heading back to the parking lot in Gorham. As he drove down the trail, he missed the reflective gate on the other side of the Presidential Rail Trail, designed to keep motor vehicles off the trail.

Allen jammed the brakes and swerved his machine to the side just before he hit the gate. His machine did not collide with the gate, but Allen was thrown over the gate and struck it with his lower body.

Members of his riding group rushed to his aid and made an emergency call. Allen was transported from the scene by Gorham Rescue UTV, where he was then transported by Gorham Ambulance to Androscoggin Valley Hospital in Berlin.

Investigators believe inattention and speed under the combined conditions are the primary causes of this accident. Alcohol and drug intoxication are not considered factors.

NH Fish and Game would like to remind all operators to be aware of potential hazards and to operate within their limits at all times.