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Details given on fatal ATV crash

| June 30, 2010 6:56 AM

The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Department is able to release more details and the name of the victim in the fatality accident yesterday near the top of Fourth of July Pass.

Killed in the single ATV crash was Cleo B. “Bud” Dodge, 74, of Coeur d’Alene.

Dodge and three of his friends were en route back to the recreational parking area at the Fourth of July Pass Summit on Trail 800 when Dodge, who was the second of the four ATVs, failed to negotiate the route around the Forest Service gate and crashed into the gate post.

Dodge was pronounced dead at Kootenai Medical Center from massive chest injuries.

It is believed that due to dust in the air from the first machine as well as Dodge’s speed, he was unable to see the gate in time to make the course adjustment that led to the crash.

Trail 800 is part of the unique trail system in Northern Idaho that is open to ATV and motorcycle operators only during a set time period from March into September. It is closed to all other motor vehicle traffic year round.