Woman dies in off-road vehicle accident, toddler sent to hospital

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WISH) – A woman was killed while operating an off-road vehicle on Tuesday and the 3-year-old that was riding on the back of the vehicle was transported to the hospital.

Indiana State Police said Theresa Hoefer, 67, of Lafayette, was operating a Suzuki Ozark Quad Runner with a 3-year-old passenger.

A witness on scene said that the vehicle went up the side of a pole barn and flipped over. It caused Theresa Hoefer and the toddler to be thrown to the ground.Hoefer was pronounced dead at the scene.

Indiana Conservation Officers would like to remind anyone operating or riding on an off-road vehicle to wear a helmet and other protective equipment.

The accident is still under investigation.