Backus Boy Dies in ATV Accident

A 16-year-old Backus boy was killed in an ATV accident Sunday afternoon. The Cass County Sheriff's office has identified him as Derek W. Engleke. He was operating the machine about 4:20 p.m. on a rural gravel road when it overturned throwing him and a passenger from the vehicle. Engleke suffered head trauma, his passenger sustained minor injuries.

The young man attended Pine River Backus High School. The help of grief councilors has been enlisted as students return from the Easter holiday.

The cause is under investigation and an autopsy has been scheduled.