Sandown Woman Killed in Weekend ATV Accident

CONCORD, N.H. – Bette Brown of Sandown, N.H., age 53, died in a tragic All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) accident in Pawtuckaway State Park about 2 p.m. on Sunday, October 25, 2009.

Brown was riding on the Round Pond Trail near the Deerfield/Nottingham town line when the incident occurred. In that area, the trail turns sharply before descending a hill. The rider of another ATV in front of Brown had rounded the turn and started downhill when he encountered a mountain biker and a jogger coming up the trail. The operator tried to avoid a collision, but the ATV flipped over onto the bicycle, though no one was injured. As they worked to right the ATV, Brown came around the turn, swerved off the trail to avoid the accident, and crashed. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Brown was wearing a helmet. She was riding with a group that had been granted permission to ride in the park as part of a special event. ATVs are not normally allowed on Pawtuckaway State Park trails.

Deerfield Police and Fire Department personnel responded to the incident on Sunday, along with New Hampshire Fish and Game Conservation Officers.

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is investigating the incident.

No further information is available at this time.