BANGOR, Maine — A 4-year old boy who was seriously injured in an ATV accident on Monday has died of his injuries, according to the Maine Warden Service.
Tanner Morse of Searsport died at Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor late Tuesday night, according to a news release from Cpl. John MacDonald.
Morse was injured when he was riding his ATV in the town of Shin Pond on Monday.
The boy was operating an 8CC Yamaha four-wheeler on property owned by his grandfather, Craig Morse, according to the release.
It appears Tanner Morse had attempted to drive up an incline and the machine rolled backwards and landed on top of him, the release stated. Tanner’s father, Cody, found his son unconscious about 200 feet from the home at 6 p.m. Monday. Tanner had been transported to Houlton Regional Hospital before LifeFlight flew him to EMMC.
The incident remains under investigation.
I am so sorry to read this. My prayers and heart go out to this family.
Poor family…gee whiz. I was at the scene when the 4 yr old little girl died last month on route 1 in PI. So sad for all the familys that lost a child early especially being only 4 yrs old.
lil children aren’t capable to handle these machines if they tip over ….i know of an 11 yr old that has had surgery and skin grafts when his went out of control. i really feel they need to be much older to operate a machine…wait til they are older so they can at least handle it. i wish companys didn’t make them for young children..i have grandchildren even at the age of 5 that have them and i don’t agree…why take the risk?
Why isn’t Yamaha putting a safety lock on that a small kid can’t manipulate? Kids get into things. That ‘t what hey do. It’s a cute little machine designed to attract kids.
I cannot express my sorrow enough for your loss. My child is just one year older than little Tanner and he rides his wheeler all the time. My heart aches for you.
Please know the community is behind you, here for you, and all share in your grief.
Love and prayers.
Good call no one will ever know the pain this family will endure. My 6 year old daughter also rides a lot, will I make her stop no, will I be more cautious yes. But you cannot raise your kids to be afraid of the world!
So sorry to read of this loss. RIP little guy. My thoughts are with the family.
I am so sorry for Tanner & his family. God Bless you all.
Sorry to read this. Prayers going out to the family.
Heartbreaking. I’m sorry for the family and everyone who loved this little boy. You never know from one minute to the next what might happen.
I hope the hateful people will stay away from comments today.
I don’t see where anything hateful has been said.
No one said there had been, only they hope there aren’t any.
Thank you.
Go back and read what I said. I didn’t say anything hateful had been said, you assumed that.
regardless of whose fault this may be..A young child has died…respect that.
We do. We also recognize the fact that this was completely avoidable.
exactly. Let law enforcement do their job and leave the speculations at home. Silence is golden.
Very sad to read this. Prayers for this little boy, gone too soon.
thoughts and prayers to the entire morse family, and to everyone affected by this tragedy. there are no words that can be spoken or heard that will help in this deep time of mourning. with that said i hope you find strength and support in each other in your time of need… RIP and god bless lil tanner morse
First off, my thoughts go out the family of this little boy. A pure accident has taken him way to soon!
Second, For all any of us know, this boy could’ve been riding this 4wheeler for a period of time with months of experience. I know that my 3yr old nephew is full capable of riding his 90cc polaris . And its obvious these parents thought the same of there soon. So just keep your opinions to yourselves and off this page please. The parents and grandparents are hurting enough with the loss. Thank you
Wow! Hypocritical much? Having the username Opinionated69, then tell people NOT to share their own?
Thank you!!!!
Except that this is the comments section, and you have absolutely no right to tell people what to think or what to say/not say.
So no, we won’t keep our opinions off this page. PS…I hope someone taught your nephew to FASTEN his helmet. Helmets don’t just roll off at the first sign of impact…unless they are not being worn correctly.
I feel bad for your “3 year old nephew” for not having adults around with the common sense that god gave a hammer.
AMEN!!! i find it ridiculous that a 3 year old is riding anything like that. it’s so dangerous!!
I have been operating a motor vehicle for 17 years, does that mean I won’t ever get into an accident? No. Having a few months of experience at the age of 3 or 4 does not mean they should be allowed to use these machines unattended. I hope your nephew always has an adult watching him.
i can’t believe your 3 year old nephew is riding anything of the such!!! and I will share my opinion if i want. i feel bad for the family, but they should have known better
I hate to be judgmental, but sometimes it is hard. I seriously question your 3 year old nephew’s parent’s ability to be responsible adults. Most 3 year olds cannot even ride a bike without training wheels let alone a motorized vehicle. Sorry if this offends you. If you don’t want people to be critical or “opinionated” about your family, then you probably should not have opened yourself up to it.
these pages are for opinions. If they offend someone, that is the risk with a public forum. I pray for the family.
I agree 100%!
So very sorry that this was the outcome :o( My heart goes out to his family.
I called the BDN reporter about this but her phone message said she’s on vacation. Gotta love one reporter in an area as huge as Aroostook!
Don’t even know why they make the lil’ riders for such small kids, ex: barbie cars, GI Joe jeeps ETC…and even less the big heavy ones, they are not kids toys!
I dont get it either..they make them small enough, but they are not allowed to ride..just as on a big one..mine says no passangers on the seat..then why is it a 2 seater…..very sorry for their loss
Oh absolutely newsworthy. There are parents out there that just dont get it. 4 yr olds belong playing on swings, kicking balls and playing with matchbox cars. ATV’s are not toys for toddlers.
I hate to even read this story having young kids of my own. Some of you people are so clueless about atvs you all think they are all bad. There may be circumstances in this case that the adults may be at fault,buut to say kids should not be on an atv, lets plant them in front of the tv and put a video game controller in their hand! my daughter has been riding since she was 5, but with a helmet that fits properly,and an atv that can be slowed down to walking speed with a governor on the throttle! this atv may not have had this feature not sure. and by the way my daughter has been hurt on her bike and on a swing, but not on her wheeler! In a situation like this when you are not educated about the topic at hand keep your kids in their bubble and keep your comments on what these people could have done different to yourself! Sorry for this family’s loss and wish this could of had a different outcome foe you!
I agree 100%. So many armchair quarterbacks here it’s not even funny!
“but with a helmet that fits properly”
spoke with a member of Tanners family a little bit ago. The only mark found on him was the one his helmet left on him under his chin. They suspect that he was injured by his helmet strap. I do believe that if it were my child that yes, by the time help arrived the helmet would have been lying beside them as I would tear it off of them to try and save them. This is an accident folks. They are called accidents for a reason. He was on a kids machine WITH his helmet on without adult permission.
He was on a kids machine WITH his helmet on without adult permission….?
Did he get on and ride without their knowledge? I guess I am a bit confused about this… Please clarify…
I agree people have no problem sitting their kids in front of video games shooting people, but a kid cant go OUTSIDE and have fun on a 4 wheeler…. These people who are complaining about them obviously have never lived in the country.. A kid can get the same injuries playing sports should we not let them do that either.
thank YOU
I’m disgusted to find that people are still passing judgement on the parents, when in fact these people don’t know the whole story.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. As should everyone else’s be right now, and shame on those of you who only see this as an opportunity to be snarky.
When I was younger there was a sticker on our Foreman Rubicon that said No one under 15 was allowed to ride alone on it. I have seen the same thing on many smaller machines as well. Not 100% sure if its a law or not, but I know I’ve seen tickets on here for under age operation. I think you should have to have a vehicle license or be riding with someone who does.
The law is that noone under 10 is allowed to operate a 4 wheeler UNLESS it is on his parents property or by permission of the property owner. Stupid law!
This all depends if you are on your own property or not.
Sorry, I guess they were a little busy working on the one story about the child who died. What’s wrong with you? How is this not newsworthy?
I’m shocked that a 4 year old would ever be given access and freedom to ride such dangerous machinery. ATVs are designed for adult bodies. I can’t even imagine a small child being able to operate one at all. So, so sad!
80cc 4-wheeler is made for kids, not adults.
Yes..for kids at least 12 yrs old. Not 4.
Also an 80cc 4-wheeler is capable of going ~ 40 – 50 mph. Should 4 year olds be allowed to drive 40 – 50 mph?
Exactly, The manufacturer states that in the owners manual.
thats to cover them in case of a lawsuit!
That’s why they have governor’s on them.
A 4 year old should still be on a Hot Wheels for gawd’s sake! I was 14 when I got a ’68 Honda Trail 90 bike that would go 30 in low range, and that displacement was plenty to get in trouble with.
70cc can am is lucky to hit 20 mph with the governor all the way out these youth atvs do not do 50 mph unless modified KNOW your facts!
It doesn’t matter, the fact is that a four year old child is dead because of parent negligence. It doesn’t matter if it was governed or not, the parents should not have let this child operated the atv without supervision, that’s ridiculous, FOUR YEARS OLD!!! It’s a horrible tragedy that could have been prevented and I just cannot imagine. smh, just cannot imagine my child being on equipment like this alone, especially at four, or ten, or fourteen. Sixteen, yes, but I’d be damned sure that I was on one right along side of ’em. It’s a thing called common sense that a lot of people seem to be lacking today.
It was an 8cc not 8Occ….
Yamaha doesn’t and never has made an 8cc atv. It was an 80cc just cnncomment posted
Article is wrong, no such thing as an “8cc.”
Do you realize how small 8CC would be? It is definitely a typo.
THE ATV WAS MADE FOR A 4 YEAR OLD. How dare any of you to judge these people. This little boy had the most loving, caring parents any little boy could have. This little boy was shown more love in his short 4 years than many children receive in a life time. Keep all the negative comments to yourselves please and lets just hope none of you have to suffer such a loss.
Loved to death. I hope you learn to understand that sometimes it is necessary to say NO for the betterment and safety of your children or someone else s. It is tragic that this family had to learn this the hard way.
ATV’s for a four year old falls under the name of Power Wheels, not Yamaha. . .and just because it may be made for a child, doesn’t mean that the child should be using it unsupervised!!
We all make choices everyday as human beings, and as parents we are responsible for making choices for our children as well as ourselves, and it is the hardest job on earth! I will not speculate about how this tragedy occurred, having not been there, and knowing the limitations of newspaper journalism (including making choices, and making mistakes as well). What I want to convey are my heartfelt thoughts and prayers to all who love this little boy, as I know your grief has to be overwhelming. And to remind myself to enjoy each and every day with those I love and make sure they know it.
perhaps your right, who knows….so we take judgement off the parents its enough to say that whoever had the bright idea to send a 4yr old off on an ATV needs thier head examined.
I know I’m right. I know the people involved. It was no one’s idea, the boy took it upon himself. Should they have been watching him more closely? Yes. But every parent alive is guilty of that. So, like I said before, stop judging and see this for what it is no matter the circumstances: a huge tragedy and a great loss for the family.
The original article about this story stated that they were not sure if the boy was wearing a helmet but someone had seen it on the boy earlier in the day. That comment made me believe that they were aware that he was riding.
But another friend/family member just said that the grandfather let him ride. Which is it?
The article states the machine was 8cc….it should say 80cc as that is the size of the engine. That size machine is intended for children but never for a 4 year old. Accidents happen and Im sure the regret the family will live with is immense. My sincere thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
I didnt know there were so many perfect parents here in Maine.. I think instead of criticizing this family we should be supporting them. I am a parent of 5 and know there is NO WAY you can watch them every minute. Kids have a mind of their own and are quick, and ACCIDENTS happen.. Did all you know that a kid can have the same injuries from falling backwards on a rock. My heart breaks in 1000 pieces for this family and I cant even imagine how they are feeling, and shouldnt have to read this crap from parents who THINK they are perfect. All you parents who think you know when and where your child is every minute, have some of the worst acting kids in the school systems, and will also probably get into drugs and alcohol the minute they see a little freedom. Why dont we try showing our kids how to support others in need not criticize them, thats probably an important factor in being a good parent. I wish all of you perfect parents good luck when your child hits 14. I feel bad for all these children of such inconsiderate parents because you wont have many friends in your life. Just remember parents “you are what your taught”. Sending hugs and love to the Morse family and know you are being thought of this very minute by people who care, and they are more important in life than those who dont..
this little boy is my cousin, and our family is greiving, i do agree he should of not been on the atv alone, but accidents do happen and who are we to judge.
What about 14 year old children racing cars on a track?
You mean the cars w/ roll-cages, 4-point restraints, where the driver wears fire-resistant clothing and full-face, securely attached helmets? Racing in a controlled environment w/ EMS on the stand-by? That racing?
Also…14 years old != 4 years old
“All you parents who think you are the perfect parent and that your
children are perfect have some of the worst acting kids in the school
system, and will end up in drugs and alcohol the first minute they get
the taste of freedom.. I dont think criticizing, when you should be
supporting isnt teaching your child very well, dont expect them to have
many friends since they will have no care and love in their life.”
You realize you just criticized a LOT of people you don’t know in that sentence. The sentence where you said people shouldn’t criticize….
Its terrible that the child died, absolutely. Given the fact the helmet was laying on the ground and not still on the child’s head leads me the believe that the child could have had a better lesson in rider safety.
Well its not really criticizing its proof Ive seen a hundred times over.. Dont act like you dont make mistakes w/ parenting because EVERYONE makes mistakes with parenting.. If someone is a perfect parent they should have a reality tv show……
I would never say that I am perfect or don’t make mistakes but there is no WAY IN HELL that my 3 year old son would get on an ATV….with a parent or without…I barely let him ride a bike for God’s Sake
because he is tethered to you day and night right? not out of your sight ever, right? Because things don’t happen at the drop of a hat….do you think these parents handed the keys over and told him to have fun? Or did someone leave the key in it….he went climbed on and pushed a button to start it when his parents weren’t looking? You seem to have all the answers or are you just making assumptions? Judge not….
AMEN sam61209!!! my thoughts exactly!!!
HOW DARE YOU! Of all the self rightous BS, the person who let this child ride a 4 wheeler designed to be riden by kids his age is his Grandpa. Accidents happen, but apparently you have never had one. What gives you the right to pass judgement on this man? Do you know him personally? As parents we are given the right to make decisions for what is in the best interest of our children and my opinion about what is right is just a valid as yours is for your kids. Deal with your obviously perfect children and leave this poor devistated family alone.
You ought to get off your high horse. HowdyNeighbor, and anyone else who reads the BDN and comments here, has just as much right to make judgments about the subjects of news stories as you have to make judgments about HowdyNeighbor. This ATV accident and the boy’s death are newsworthy, and readers can comment on the news.
it would be different if you had all the facts. Commenting on speculation and assumption….not the best way to come to a conclusion.
That is truly a stupid comment. In making my comment, I drew no conclusions whatsoever about how the boy died and who, if anyone, may have been at fault. My comment was limited to the rights of BDN readers to make judgments and post comments on news stories. Period.
The next time you reply to one of my comments, you should read what I have written.
There is no such thing as an 80cc ATV designed for a 4 year old period. Ask the manufacturer of the ATV if you don’t want to believe me.
What an awful thing for you to say. This was an accident. No one at fault. Don’t you think all these adults are going through hell right now?
Really DHS, maybe the 1st time one of your kids makes a dumb a** mistake your neighbors should call DHS on you. Maybe you allow your kids to read a book that the local church group finds offensive should they call DHS on you. GET OVER YOURSELF.
He’s a troll. All of his comments are like this.
i live under a bridge and your kids were with you and you let them in knee high water…so guess what DHS is alerted on you too buddah!
my thoughts exactly…. This was an accident, starving, beating, doing drugs in front of your kids, driving them around drunk etc are not ACCIDENTS…………………… those should be reported..
So very sorry for this boy, even more sorry for the parents and grandparents. My heart goes out to them all.
Sad to hear this and condolences to the Parents and Grandparents.
A little boy has died in a tragic accident, and his family grieves. Instead of judging, why not send out some sympathy and remorse to that family instead of proving a point or stating a fact.
My heart goes out to this family.We lost a great niece 3 years ago;at 5 years of age from an accident. There is so little any one can say or do at a time like this. My condolences go out to the family. Joan( Allen) Thibodeau
I am so sorry for your loss. Love, hugs and prayers to all family and friends.
I was thinking the same thing!!! i wont’ even let my 11 1/2 year old drive a 4 wheeler without someone right there with him
so you never ever left you child to use a bathroom? Your child was never left unattended? I left my children in their rooms to take naps, alone. I left them to use the bathroom. I left them in one room while I went into another to clean or cook. Were you there? do you know that they handed the keys over and allowed him to go ride alone?
These parents are already beating themselves up over this…..no one needs to assume anything about this situation. It is tragic and I pray for the family….
excuse me but going to the bathroom alone and riding a 4 wheeler are two very different things!!! I can’t believe you compared that with something that is dangerous!! i can assume all i want and comment all i want. this is a website for COMMENTING!!!! I also pray for the family and it is tragic but it could have been avoided is all i was saying. so don’t be jumping down my throat for having an opinion!!!!!!!!
You never left your child to go to the bathroom. Maybe left them in front of the TV? Come back from the bathroom and they are in the kitchen getting some crackers or a drink? This one decided to go check out that ‘cool’ wheeler. So get off your high horse! I was commenting too, comment away but pray that nothing like this happens to you or yours and people come on judging when they don’t have the facts!!
Life is to be lived. That is what this family was doing. My thoughts are with them.
I have seen so many young children die of neglect, abuse, and disease. This little boy was so lucky to have a good family who cared about him.
I couldn’t have said it better myself, Mark.
I think its pretty ridiculous that a little boy has passed away and the people on this site seem more worried about point fingers, and putting blame on the family than anything else. Really, Im pretty sure the family has enough going on without complete strangers attacking them.
Not to mention, I seen something on one of the posts about the wheeler going 40+ mph? Its an 80cc, not a 500.
To the Morse family, I am truely sorry for your loss. I cannot even fathom what your family is going through.
Good point. If I had to take a wild guess, I would say the parents probably didn’t know he was on it.
My question is… Why was the wheeler accessible to him,,IE…. take the key OUT!!!! They could not hear it start up!?
We all know how unpredictably and impulsively small children act and how hard it is to keep track of them all the time, and as far as this child’s death goes, we just don’t have enough information to say what the parents did or did not do to prevent this occurrence. With perfect hindsight, we agree that the key should not have been in the ATV. But do we know where the key was usually kept, whether efforts had been made to keep it from the child, and exactly how the key came to be in the ATV when he was operating it?
I think? No, Im pretty certain.
If you want to argue about specs on the ATV why dont you go to an ATV discussion board?
I really wish people would stop letting their little kids drive these 4 wheelers!!!
Well I really wish people would stop beating their kids, driving drunk, doing drugs, But its not going to happen, so lets support the family instead of criticizing them.
One word; SUPERVISION.
WTH!!! I don’t even think this kid is old enough for a pow pow powerwheels!!
This should never have happened- could have been prevented- what a tragedy.
I cant even believe the amount of hateful finger-pointing posts on here. How about we all take a minute to aknowledge the fact that a little boy has died. It’s tragic when ACCIDENTS take the lives of children, reguardless of who is to ‘blame’. Tact people, lets try to have some.
Amen…. To the comment from Triplemom… I feel the same way you do..My heart breaks into a 1000 pieces for this family Also and cant even imagine what they are feeling right now.Im also sending a lot of hugs to the morse Family and friends .. you are all in my thoughts and Prayers…
It doesn’t really matter what the child was operating; an ATV or an oven, he was just too young to be unattended. I suspect the family is already suffering greatly from this horrible lack of judgment. Let it go. People just need to be more careful on ATVs and snow mobiles in general! These machines are much more powerful and dangerous than years ago.
Especially without adult supervision!!
Wow where did u get your masters in common sense? With a bachelors in ignorance! Nice timing
you talkin to me? lol. looks like 250 people agree with me. so far.
And your 250 people can raise your kids in a bubble and not let them out of the house. Raising kids to have common sense seems way more important than having them on a leash!
keeping a 4 yr old safely away from heavy equipment is hardly raising them in a bubble. I’d say that’s common sense.
A lot of people who visit their site lack that. They even flagged your original comment because they can’t handle the truth, these are the same people that will let their kids ride heavy equipment unattended too.
First, my thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies go out to Tanner’s family and grandfather – for I am sure, as they had earlier watched Tanner riding the ATV with joyful expressions on his face, that this tragic accident was the furthest thing from their mind. At times, as parents, aren’t we all blinded by the joy of our children’s faces?
Second, my prayers go out to all the responders and medical personnel involved in the treatment of Tanner. The care was undoubtably topnotch and those involved may have some trouble dealing with this outcome. Treating kids is hard.
Third and last, as adults we are all guilty of ascribing adult thinking and reasoning skills to kids, kids think like kids and not adults. Kids do not have the many years of learning (mainly by misstakes) that enable them to make good choices.Therefore they should only be allowed to use powered equipment i.e. ATV’s, Lawn Mowers, Weed Wackers, Bicycles, etc. with the utmost caution.
size and speed of the 4 wheeler are not important at this time.. We are not buying a 4 wheeler we are mourning the loss of a kid..
So very sad–I can only imagine the heartache all the people who loved this little boy are going thru.—-Try to stay strong.
God rest his soul and healing thoughts to the family. Very very sad
someone lost there 4 year old and it was no ones fault, accidents happen! you people are inconsiderate and obviously miserable people…get a life! have you nothing better to do then critize someone who is experiencing the fear of all parents! maybe your mothers should have taught you if you dont have anything nice to say dont say anything at all! i regret reading these comments…this is something people dont need to read.
well aren’t you the intellectual one?
karma may in fact bless me for expressing that no 4 yr old should be operating an ATV.
Yes indeed Karma may bless you for “possibly” telling the parents or family of this child that died that the child should not be riding the ATV. LOL… if that makes you sleep better at night then I am happy for you.
I will hold back any further comments to you because I am a FIRM believer in Karma I have seen it happen first hand. I have seen parents lose children after mocking others who have and I have seen tragedy in my line of work for others who mock situations or feel they are almighty.
Karma will prevail…. and put these “perfect” people “perfect” parents never do no wrong “people” in their places…and your one of them.
i didn’t mock anyone. but you sure got your panties in a bunch.
oh, and “your one of them”, is spelled “you’re one of them.” English 101
LOL I knew when I sent the message you would come back and say you were not mocking anyone, your shallow mind wouldn’t comprehend the moral to my comment. Which was not you mocking it was the fact you were telling or possibly sending a message to a would be reader that could have been a parent or relative in a very heartless way. Such as if a parents child gets killed for not wearing a seat belt, you would say well you should have taught your child to buckle up even when they are 18, I would bet you would. Your karma will come its not for me to worry about. As far as my auto correct and English 101 …I’m obviously not writing to a professional or someone of importance or compassionate or dignity or a heart so I really don’t mind. If you have children id pray for their safety with thoughts like yours about others …K A R M A……bye
Here in Maine we have thousands of kids that more than likely are legally too young to be working or recreating on a variety of equipment from ATVs, snowmobiles, and boats to fishing vessels, farm tractors and plow trucks. This incident will stand out to all of us for a while. These folks will suffer enough without any of us adding to the pain. Let’s all use this as an opportunity to redouble our efforts to control what we can: whether it’s making sure there are enough PFDs in the boat to not relying on the back up camera in the new SUV for dooryard safety.
No debate than don’t post on this topic ! We put our kids in dangers way every day just to go to the grocery store! You could be in an accident and a life could be lost. Yes this circumstance may have been more controllable but it is what it is. And if you think your smart car your driving is going to stand up to that dump truck that just ran the red light than you may want to think again! And there should not be laws stating what I can and cant let my kids do! There should be however laws that state who can and cant reproduce!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I can post without debate, it is called my right to free speech and voice my opinion, if one does not like it, don’t read a comment from someone who is not in for a debate. There is no debate that surrounds this. Going to the grocery store is different then allowing a 4 year to operate an ATV. Amazing how parents and relatives think it is nearly harmless to let children ride alone on this type of equipment, I can’t imagine what happens when they are 5…hand them the keys to the car? Common sense folks….common sense, there should be a law for that too
And apparently with a mindset like that, you should be in the category of who can and can’t reproduce!
Thats funny I have a good Paying job with benefits a wife And two great kids. Im Not living off the state in state housing and drinking booze and smoking cigs all day!!!!
To this family and anybody who knows this family, Words cannot express how sorry most people are for your loss! My comments on here are in support of you. I cant believe how narrow minded some of these people who seem to know very little about atvs can be. This is tragic but it was an accident, Way too many people these days think keeping your kids locked in the house will keep them safe! I respect the fact that you were trying to teach your kid and grandchild to live life and enjoy maine But too many people pass judgement because they think maine should be all about nature hikes and bird watching which yes I do enjoy. But atvs and snowmobiles are what this state is all about. Its what keeps northern maine running! Once again sorry for your loss and I hope you highly opinionated perfect parents out there can keep your comments to yourself about what should or could have been done to prevent this IT WAS AN ACCIDENT THEY UNFORTUNATELY HAPPEN EVERY DAY!
,,,,
To those of you who are judging, and blaming..SHAME ON YOU…this family has lost a child, a grandson, a nephew, and his sister lost her brother!!!! You all can go back and forth about whether or not he should have been on the four wheeler…it was an ACCIDENT…this family is devastated by the loss of this little boy..instead of Condemning someone, maybe you should all say a prayer, a prayer god gives them the strength they need to get through this terrible tragedy…strength to bury their child!!!! I am sure the last thing some of you would want is a stranger judging you when you have LOST YOU CHILD !!!!
Believe me,WE ALL ARE praying for this little ones family… It is a loss that you NEVER get over… I lost my little sister due to someones poor judgment – I will always hold resentment.. I just pray the little boy’s brother/sister will be able to overcome their grief and when they are old enough to understand what happened they will not harbor hurtful feelings towards their parents… It is a struggle EVERY day to try and forgive and realize.. YES it WAS an accident.. But could it have been prevented HAD the Parents paid attention more closely!??? THAT is a question we should be asking!! SO DO NOT judge me for MY comments!!! I HAVE been there!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Do you know the whole story?? No actually you DO NOT!!!! I am very sorry for the loss of you sister, but judging these parents is not going to make anyone feel better!!! This little boy was brought up around four wheelers and equipment in the whole 48 months he was alive!! Actually if you want the whole truth he wasn’t suppose to be on it…he just happened to do something he wasn’t suppose to do…like all kids do. And my god why would that little girl blame her parents??? If we are going to blame the parents you-might as well blame GOD..because thats who really took him..he is now in a way better place then we are….AND ALSO…you can’t pray for the same people as you are condemning!!
READ what I wrote… I said – harbor hurt feelings NOT blame them… AND, I ASKED A QUESTION.. REREAD IT!!! I am NOT condemning ANYONE!!! – I am Questioning THEIR judgment!! Be careful how YOU choose YOUR words! You are passing judgment are you not!?
Look doll I’m not going to fight with you, as everyone else on here I have an option..even if you don’t agree with me…my point is a child has died..PERIOD..and him family is grief stricken…PERIOD…and also you need to REREAD your comments you are question their judgment, who are you to do so??
Also,shouldn’t they have removed the key from the wheeler ? Knowing he KNEW how to start it and such!? Would you leave guns in a cabinet without them being locked!?
The child was only 4 years old! — 4 YEARS OLD !!! THAT my friends is only 48 months old! For ALL of you that are saying the Parent is NOT responsible..Think about it , How can ANYONE justify that he be on an ATV without supervision!! I would have so much guilt over something like this I know I could not live with myself… I cannot even imagine what his Parents are going through – NOR would I want to!!
Isn’t there a law that states children under a certain age – 12 or 16? must be supervised????
To all of you who are judging, and blaming…SHAME ON YOU…this family has lost a child, a grandson, a nephew, and his sister lost her little brother!!!! You all can go back and forth about whether or not he should have been on the four wheeler…it was an ACCIDENT…this family is devastated by the loss of this little boy…instead of condemning them, maybe you should say a prayer, a prayer god gives them the strength they need to get through this terrible tragedy….strength to bury their child!!! And when you go to bed tonight and nights to come thank god you still have your children because this family has lost one of theirs!!!
From the National Ag Safety Database:
“A recent National Safe Kids Campaign report stated that over 30,000 children age 14 and under were treated in hospital emergency rooms for ATV-related injuries (fractured bones, head and facial injuries) and 44 children in this age group died as a result of ATV related injuries (head and neck injury). Children ages 10-14 accounted for more than 75% of the deaths. As a comparison, ATV related injuries are 12 times more likely to result in death than bicycle-related injuries. Nearly 90 percent of ATV-related injuries suffered by children under age 16 were caused by adult-sized ATVs (ATVs that are 90cc or larger). Additionally, reports show that males account for 60 percent of the ATV-related death among children ages 14 and under. Youth account for more than 33 percent of the ATV fatalities, but made up only 14 percent of the riders.”
I feel terrible for this family and what they are going through, but perhaps one good thing can result if more people recognize the danger and perhaps another child (or children) can be spared.
My heart goes out to this family. My cousin lost her son to an ATV accident when he was 14 years old. Knowing how dangerous they were, they would not allow him to have an ATV of his own; however, he was on a friend’s when it happened. It has been over 15 years, and the family still grieves. She cringes every time she hears of young kids being allowed to drive ATVs.
I’m sure this family never expected anything like this to happen, and it’s not going to do any good to say what they should or should not have done. This beautiful young life is gone and his family will grieve his death the rest of their lives.
However, if we can all learn a lesson from this and realize that these vehicles are NOT toys, maybe another young life can be saved.
I feel sorry for the family……I don’t believe this was they outcome expected when he was allowed to ride…..they will have to live with the loss for the rest of their lives…..they don’t need to hear from all of you what should or shouldn’t have been done….I am sure they are consumed with guilt although they shouldn’t be….it was an accident……..
“It’s no one’s fault.”
“Accidents happen.”
These are the mottos of fools destined to repeat the tragedy. The weak of mind may be unable to discern this, but normal people can: We sympathize with the victims of this tragedy, and also understand the failures that lead to it. And it won’t help Tanner’s family to try and censor those who would point out the obvious root cause.
So dear landry2012, wbt30, Amy Brady, and others similarly misguided, how many more kids must die before you contemplate that this type of tragedy is PREVENTABLE! It couldn’t be more obvious – Check out disclaimer.php on kidatvs.com:
1: ATVs with engine sizes of 90cc or greater are recommended for use only by those age 16 and older.
2: ATVs with engine sizes of 70cc to 90cc are recommended for use only by those age 12 years of age and older and always with adult supervision.
3: It is recommended that all ATV riders take an approved training course.
And it goes on. Point is, the minimum age for a rider on an 80cc ATV is 12 and he must be accompanied by an adult. Tanner was 4, riding alone. Learn something.
Not sure why only three of us have been picked from all the comments, I never said he should have been on that four wheeler, I never said he should have been on it alone..do all of you make comment on the people who purposefully kill, beat and molest their kids?? Instead of judging the parents have some god damn compassion…THATS IT!!
I suppose all of you who are pointing fingers ALL have children yourselves, and none of them have ever suffered so much as a skinned knee under your watchful eye. It must be wonderful to be so blindingly perfect that you are in a position to judge the parenting skills of people you don’t know.
You act like the parents gave him the keys and told him to have fun!!!
Ever had a 4 year old? They go in an out, they climb on things, and yes they can learn (by watching others) how to turn a key and push a button to start a 4 wheeler. It takes but a second for a child to get out of a house and do just that.
I’ve gone to the bathroom, left my child unattended, and had them do something stupid like jump off the back of the couch and hang from the curtain rod and ended up hurt. Negligence? According to you it was!
Ever had a 4 year old, yes I got one thanks for assuming I don’t. Mine doesn’t go in and out at free will, mine was raised to simply not do that. I take the keys out of my cars, I take the key out of the lawn mower and by raising my child properly and educating them on the dangers of such machinery, I might add that she has been brought up well. She has other things to do as well, color, watch tv, family, friends, etc.
So thanks for asking, I brought up my kid not do these sorts of things, I can go to the bathroom and not worry about my child jumping off the couch, I call it parenting….Google it sometime or call your local DHHS office on what that means, they can hook you up with foster care or adoption
My prayers go out to the family
You are truly correct! I do so apologize.. Sometimes people “including” myself,speak before thinking,especially when it is so very emotional and comes from personal experience… YOU have humbled me.. Thank you..
I think the Bangor Daily News should be ashamed of themselves. That they allow anyone to comment on and article about a child that has just passes away. No-one should have the right to voice their opinion when anyone dies especially a child. We have too many perfect people in this world to allow anyone to post for the public to read. If the Bangor Daily news finds the need to allow people to post on this type of article they should have to goin and read them all. It is too bad that people cannot keep their big mouth shut and have to be so negative. A family has just lost someone that is close to them and will have to live with it for the rest of their lives. I am hoping and praying that the Bangor Daily news will show some compassion and delete all post from this site. The family is hurting enough as it is we should be praying for them not judging them.
You are truly correct! I do so apologize.. Sometimes people “including”
myself,speak before thinking,especially when it is so very emotional and
comes from personal experience… YOU have humbled me.. Thank you..
It was a child’s plastic 8cc fourwheelers…to all of you who seem to know ALL the details of this horrific accident! Look at your own child’s and check….for those of you who said “There is no such thing.” You are unbelievable! You just couldn’t wait for this to be printed, so you could belittle a family that is obviously going through the most devestating time in their lives! It is too soon for you to be writing your attacks on this family. Do you think they aren’t already feeling extreme guilt and blaming themselves??? Really people??? If you had questions….in regards to your own child’s safety, that’s one thing…….but to use this for your own pleasure, to make yourselves feel perfect {I would never do that} is unforgiveable. ( You know most of our children have riden these toys at one time or another. ) At this time, this family needs condolensces not to be treated with your hatred and ignorance. Think people please!! I am sure they are already beating themselves up…………..don’t hurt them anymore. LOVE……..Pass it on!!
I will repost my comment again because the immature is still out flagging comments
4 year olds don’t belong on an ATV or heavy equipment period.
Plenty of other things to do
Go ahead immature people keep flagging comments because you all think it is OK to have children on heavy equipment made for them or not. Whats next handing the keys to the car? Someone comes out with a weapon for kids and you will buy them one because it says its for kids
Grow up and find other comments to flag