Girl, 12, dies after ATV crash, organs donation helps 6 children

DETROIT (WJBK) - A tragic ATV accident ended a 12-year-old girl's life and critically injured her 14-year-old sister earlier this month. Now a grieving father is wondering what next.

Larry Robinson was okay with his 12 and 14-year-old daughters taking the trip their grandma's property in Missaukee County. He even let them ride ATVs, something they've done often.

"They've ridden before. One starts out, then when they come back, the other one's driving."

But on Sunday, September 9 around 10 that morning. The girls lost control on the rough terrain crashed into some trees.

12-year-old Riley was airlifted to a hospital in Grand Rapids but she died from her injuries.

"Life as you know it can be over in a blink of an eye," Robinson said. "She was the life of the party. Trusting, very caring"

Her 14-year-old sister, Peyton, suffered numerous fractures to her arms, elbow, shoulder, and this Friday, she will undergo facial reconstructive surgery to her eyes, jaw and nose.

"The doctor said that he was going to look at trying to fix her collarbone, make sure it heals right, because little girls like to wear dresses," Robinson said.

They weren't alone. Their 16-year-old brother, Tyler, was there too. He actually found them after the crash.

"He's my hero. He called 911, and got the 4 wheeler off his sister. He did everything he could," Robinson said.

His 12-year-old daughter was in the hospital bed and he had to what no parent wants to do - but it's helping so many others.

"I think the hardest thing we did was signing the paper for organ donation. I don't get our daughter back but there are six families that get a little more time to spend with their love ones."

Michigan law allows those under 16 to drive an ATV but they must take a safety course and be supervised by an adult. Regardless of age, Michigan law requires ATV drivers wear helmets.