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August 7, 2008
Kanawha teen killed in ATV crash identified
Staff writer

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- A 16-year-old Kanawha County boy was killed Wednesday evening after the ATV he was driving crossed into the path of a coal truck, according to the Kanawha County Sheriff's Department.

Michael O'Daniel probably drifted into the southbound lane as he was traveling by ATV north on Campbells Creek Drive near Tad about 6 p.m., according to the department.

The ATV appears to have struck the coal truck head on, ejecting O'Daniel from the vehicle.

O'Daniel was pronounced dead at the scene.

Kanawha deputies determined that excessive spend and reckless driving by the ATV driver could have contributed to the crash. The department's accident reconstruction team continues to investigate the accident.

The truck driver, Bradley Hall, 31, of Charleston, was not injured or cited in the accident.

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Posted By: imy michael. =/ (1:16am 08-08-2008)
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why does everybody on here blame this on the people that are getting hurt and the parents that have bought the atv's for the kids. michael had great parents and he knew not to ride unless they were home, if ANY of you dummies would have read the article. it sickens me to sit here and see people being so cruel about whats happening with him. he was a friends of mine from school and we hung out every now and then when would get the chance. it hurts to know your never going to see his tall butt walking around and his smiling face. lol. i'm glad i have nothing but GREAT memories left of michael. and to anybody that has something rude to say, dont even bother because nobody wants to see somebody being so selfish to everybody thats hurting and makes things worse on them. And one last thing, don't use michael as an example atleast once a week you see a kid or an older person getting hurt or killed from an atv. JUST BE SAFE. ily michael <33 ONLY THE GOOD DIE YOUNG.

Posted By: Cat (10:19pm 08-07-2008)
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Michael was killed because he chose to ride his ATV on a public road, and without a helmet. Both are against the law, and for the good of all ATV riders. He paid the ultimate price for poor judgement. I hope God is with his family during their time of grief, and they find some peace in Him.

Posted By: <3 (7:26pm 08-07-2008)
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michael was one of my friends and i dont think everyone should blame him and say he didnt wear a helmet so thats why it happened, stuff like this happens all the time its not anyones fault. may he rest in peace

Posted By: sad (4:43pm 08-07-2008)
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I live not far from the accident, there are many kids on ATV's on paved roads. The parents know what they are doing and don't correct them. I agree that the laws need to be tougher, however, that is still not going to help when that child makes a bad choice. The parents need to be parents and not the kids best friend. I'm praying for the family. I hope others learn from this. Another child doesn't need to die on an ATV!

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