'It's very strange and a little unsettling': RCMP investigate unreported ATV fatality

RCMP in Grand Falls-Windsor have confirmed a 14-year-old Bishop's Falls boy has died after an ATV accident on Monday, Aug. 14.

The boy was originally taken to James Paton Memorial Hospital in Gander and later airlifted to the Janeway Children's Hospital in St. John's, where he succumbed to his injuries.

While there has been considerable talk of the accident on social media, the RCMP were not directly notified, instead learning of the accident from the public.

"The RCMP did not get notified of this incident until quite a few days after it had happened," said Cpl. Mike Hall. "It's very strange and a little unsettling that something which results in such a serious injury would not be reported to us at the time.

"We're looking into how that could have happened and what it is that caused that breakdown in communication."

The investigation into the accident was continuing Friday, and Hall asked the public for help.

"We've had a lot of people come forward with tips about the incident over the past several days," he said. "Anybody who may have information that could assist the investigators, we're hoping they will call the Grand Falls-Windsor RCMP and share with us what they know, what they saw, what they did."

Days later, it could be a challenge nailing down details.

"There could be things which may be rumour now but if we are able to confirm or deny any of the rumours through the help of people who actually have the knowledge then we can get a much clearer picture."

Hall said he believes the family of the boy has been contacted by investigators but could not offer further comment on that at this time.