5-year-old dies after ATV crash in Fox Chapel; Father, sister injured

FOX CHAPEL, Pa. — A 5-year-old girl died Thursday night after an ATV crash that injured her sister and father in Fox Chapel, police said.

The 5-year-old, identified Friday afternoon as Annabel Whittingham, was sitting in front of her 37-year-old father on the ATV when it crashed about 7:30 p.m. in the area of Guyasuta and Longfellow roads, officials said. Her 8-year-old sister was sitting behind their father.

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Investigators said the 5-year-old grabbed the thumb throttle, causing the ATV to accelerate out of control and crash in their yard. The ATV struck a tree after going over a hillside.

The girls and their father were taken to area hospitals, but the 5-year-old did not survive.

Allegheny County Police on Friday morning said detectives are nearly complete with their investigation and a safety inspection of the ATV will be conducted. The file will be turned over to the Allegheny County District Attorney's Office for review.

The Fox Chapel Area School District released the following statement:

"The Fox Chapel Area School District is heartbroken to learn of the passing of one of our kindergarten students. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this time. Even though she was only at O'Hara Elementary School for a short time, she was described as being "truly kind," "so sweet," and "very joyful." She also "loved being in school." Her passing is a loss for the entire Fox Chapel Area community.

"The school district has extra school counselors, school psychologists, and other mental health professionals available today for all of the students, staff, and families at O'Hara Elementary School. We will continue to have counselors and mental health professionals available as needed."

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