Barton County Sheriff's Office Responds to Fatal ATV Accident

The Barton County Sheriff's Office is investigating a fatal ATV/RTV accident that occurred over the weekend.

According to Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir, on Saturday, April 20 just after 5 PM, the Barton County Sheriff's Office was notified of an accident near the diversion dam on the Arkansas River just south of Dundee. Upon arrival, deputies located the male driver who had sustained serious head injuries.

Investigation at the scene indicates a 2014 Polaris Razor operated by 37-year-old Wilbert Sanko of Great Bend was eastbound in the riverbed. The vehicle went into a skid, causing it to overturn, pinning Sanko underneath. Witnesses at the scene immediately began first aid measures until Great Bend EMS arrived. Sanko was transported to University of Kansas Medical Center Great Bend where he later succumbed to his injuries.

A passenger in the vehicle identified as 33-year-old Cole Amick of Great Bend sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene but not transported.

Neither occupant had restraints on at the time of the crash.

The accident remains under investigation by the Barton County Sheriff's Office. The Sheriff's Office was assisted at the scene by Great Bend Fire and EMS units and the Kansas Highway Patrol.

(Information courtesy Barton County Sheriff's Office.)