BELL COUNTY — Texas DPS responded to a report of a man down on Bottoms East Road east of Troy.
Upon arrival, Troopers observed a blue 2014 CForce ATV in the ditch on its side. The ATV was on top of a male believed to be the operator of the ATV.
The operator was identified as Jerry Gardner Kruithof, 52, of Temple, Texas. Justice of the Peace Coleman arrived on scene and pronounced Kruithof deceased.
Investigation revealed the ATV was traveling south on Bottoms East Road at an unsafe speed approaching a turn.
The ATV was unable to make the turn and rolled over into the ditch. Kruithof was not wearing a helmet.
