Longtime Connersville police officer dies in ATV crash
CONNERSVILLE, Ind. (WISH) — A longtime Connersville police officer was killed in an ATV accident Thursday morning.
Fayette County emergency crews were called to Big Bear Road near County Road 200 East around 6:40 a.m.
Jeffrey Counceller, 47, of Connersville was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Indiana DNR. Counceller had served as a patrolman on the Connersville Police Department for 17 years.
He was last seen heading south from his brother’s house on County Road 200 East around midnight Thursday morning.
A passerby called 911 after spotting the ATV off the south side of the road. Following an autopsy Thursday afternoon, the pathologist determined Counceller died of asphyxiation. A toxicology test will be performed as well.
“The investigation into the cause of the accident is still underway,” a media release from DNR states. “The coroner’s office will conduct an autopsy later in the day; along with a toxicology report.”
Conservation officers are reminding riders to wear a helmet and safety equipment when operating an ATV.
