Man dies after crashing ATV

PERU, Ind. (WANE) Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating the death of a Peru man who was found dead around 9:00 a.m. Sunday morning at the Wabash Valley Coon Hunter’s Club on Francis Slocum Trail, Miami County. According to Conservation Officers, William B. Toepher Jr. (Billy), 50, was found pinned between a tree and an all-terrain vehicle (ATV).

Toepher was riding his ATV alone on Wabash Valley Coon Hunter’s Club property in which he was a member. He was last seen around 4:00 p.m. Saturday afternoon. When Toepher did not return home, his wife contacted members of the Coon Hunters Club Sunday morning who found Toepher and contacted Miami County Central Dispatch.

William Toepher Jr. was pronounced dead at the scene by the Miami County Coroner’s Office. According to the coroner, an autopsy will be performed at a later date.

Units on scene assisting Conservation Officers include Miami County Sheriff’s Department, Dukes EMS, Peru Fire, Amboy Fire, and Miami County Coroner’s Office.

Conservation Officers encourage a riding partner every time when recreating on ATVs. An online ATV safety course can be found at www.offroad-ed.com/in/index.htm and can be studied at a personal pace. Individuals who successfully complete the test are issued a lifetime certification card.