Ryan Tinsley of Irving was killed when he was believed to be rolled on by this Polaris Ranger. The Ranger was in a trailer being pulled by a pickup.
Fatal Accident on FM-287 East, Alcohol Suspected, CHESTER, July 17, 2011 - Shortly before 8 pm on July 16, 2011 a black 1999 Ford F-150 driven by Barret Neal, 29, of Corrigan, was west bound on FM-287 East. Neal had two passengers with him in the truck (Samantha Tolar and Debbie McCoy) and was pulling a 16 foot trailer that had a Polaris Ranger all terrain vehicle (ATV) in the back. There were three passengers riding in the Ranger; Garrett Tolar, Ryan Tinsley, and Lance Lofton. According to witnesses, the trailer started whipping and Neal lost control. Both the trailer and the truck slid out of control, left the road to the right and rolled. In the process, Ryan Tinsley (riding in the ATV in the trailer) was ejected. Garrett Tolar and Lance Lofton were also injured. Barret Neal, nor his two passengers in the truck were injured. Americare Ambulance Service was dispatched to the scene along with the Chester and Corrigan Volunteer Fire Departments. Additionally, a host of Troopers were dispatched including Kevin Burman, Darwon Evans, Corporal Michael Priest, and Buck Odom and Sergeant Christian Schanmier with the Polk County Sheriff's Office. Ryan Gene Tinsley was rushed to a Woodville Hospital where he died a short time later. Tinsley was pronounced dead at 9:09 pm by Justice of the Peace Milton Powers. Powers performed and inquest and ordered an autopsy. Garrett Tolar was flown to Houston by PHi Air Medical Helicopter with undisclosed injuries, and Lance Lofton was transported to Livingston Memorial Hospital by private vehicle. Barret Neal was allegedly intoxicated and was placed under arrest. Neal is facing charges of: Intoxicated manslaughter, and multiple counts of intoxicated assault. All traffic on 287 East was blocked during investigation and cleanup. The road was littered with cans of beer when 2 coolers loaded down with beer spilled open during the rollover. The entire scene smelled of alcohol. Rollback Wreckers from Riley Wrecker Service recovered the truck, trailer, and the ATV and will be stored in Corrigan. The scene was cleared by around 10:30 pm.
The pickup and the trailer rolled into the edge of the woodline off FM-287 East.
Cans of cold beer were strewn over the road. Trooper Kevin Burman pictured. Burman is the investigating Officer.
A PHi Air Medical helicopter prepares to lift off for Houston. Garrett Tolar was flown away from the scene.
(L - R) Trooper Kevin Burman, Trooper Buck Odom, and Corporal Michael Priest examine the trailer that was carrying the Polaris Ranger.
James Riley recovered the truck, trailer, and the ATV.
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