Published: July 09, 2007 11:54 am      

ATV riders lose lives in crashes

AUGUSTA, W.Va. - Two men who weren't wearing helmets were killed in separate accidents over the weekend when their all-terrain vehicles crashed.

Randall Heishman, 41, of Clear Brook, Va., was traveling west on Storm Cloud Lane, not far from Edgar Loy Road, when he lost control of his 2005 Yamaha 600 and struck a cherry tree.

Police said Heishman entered a sharp right turn on the gravel road about 10:25 p.m. Saturday, lost control and struck the tree. Heishman was riding alone when the 8:39 p.m. accident occurred.

Speed was a factor in that crash, Hampshire County Deputy Sheriff W.E. Frame said.

Heishman was pronounced dead at the scene by Hampshire County Medical Examiner Penny Trenton. Augusta Fire Company and Rescue Squad assisted at the scene. Frame and Sgt. N.J. Launii investigated.

In another Saturday accident, Robert Dale Maust, 60, of Fort Hill, Pa., was traveling north on Fort Hill Road in Addison when his ATV left the road and went over a steep embankment. Police said he suffered severe injuries, and was transported from the scene by Confluence Emergency Medical Services to Somerset Hospital, where Somerset County Coroner Wally Miller pronounced Maust dead.

Police said they don't know what caused Maust's vehicle to travel off the road.

Trooper D. Mares with the Pennsylvania State Police at Chambersburg barrack investigated the incident. Confluence Volunteer Fire Department and Somerset Paramedic 950 also assisted at the scene.

Both police agencies advised the use of helmets while riding ATVs. "It's always advisable," Frame said.

"It's not required by law (in Pennsylvania) but it's much more safe to have a helmet on," Trooper Nicholas Pelc, with the Somerset barrack, said.