ATV Crash in Jo Daviess County Sends Multiple Riders to Hospitals

According to the Jo Daviess County Sheriff's office, an afternoon ATV ride took a dangerous turn on Thursday, July 17th, when a vehicle carrying seven people rolled over on a trail near Flintlock Lane and Powder Horne Lane in Apple Canyon Lake. According to the Jo Daviess County Sheriff’s Office, the crash happened around 1:58 PM when the ATV, driven by 34-year-old Nan E. Ryan of Genoa, IL, lost control on a downhill curve while traveling at an unsafe speed.

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The ATV swerved, rolled at least once, struck a tree, and came to rest on its side. Emergency responders from multiple agencies, including Apple Canyon Lake Security, local EMS, and AirCare teams, were dispatched to the scene.

Among the seven Genoa residents on board, four were hospitalized:

• Emma L. Risley, 32, was taken to Freeport Memorial Hospital.
• Kendall P. Mackey, 31, was transported to Monroe Hospital.
• Meaghan K. Cleinmark, 35, and Alexandra B. Hamm, 31, were both airlifted to OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center for more serious injuries.

Ryan, the driver, along with Alexis A. Beery, 31, and Allison J. Janusz, 37, declined medical treatment on site. No arrests were made, but the crash remains under investigation by the Sheriff’s Office.

Again, this incident serves as a strong reminder of how important ATV safety is. That's especially the case when riding with passengers or on unpredictable terrain.

Know Before You Ride: ATV Laws & Safety in Illinois

• Private Property: You can’t ride on someone’s land without permission.
• Public Lands: ATVs are only allowed on trails specifically designated for their use.
• Restricted Areas: Stay away from nature preserves, nurseries, and railroad tracks—it’s illegal.
• Insurance: You must carry liability insurance covering $20,000 for injuries and $15,000 for property damage.
• Helmets & Age: Illinois doesn’t have a universal helmet law, but many riding areas do. Helmets and supervision for young riders are always a good idea.

Ride safe, know the rules, and always put safety gear first. It could make all the difference in an accident.