Boca Man Killed When ATV Flips Over

RIVER RANCH, FL — A 22-year-old Boca Raton man was killed early New Year's Day when his ATV flipped over and he became trapped underneath in a water-filled ditch, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

The body of Ryan McGrath was located around 5:40 p.m. Tuesday in a shallow ditch that runs parallel to State Road 60 in an unincorporated area of southeast Polk County, explained Scott Wilder of the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

The ATV was discovered by an off-duty Frostproof Fireman along the south side of the road. McGrath was reported missing on Tuesday afternoon after he had been last seen around 3 a.m. operating a 2019, Green Can Am ATV.

"As the ATV traveled west, it drove off a slight drop off into a water-filled portion of the ditch," said Wilder. "The ATV flipped onto its right side ejecting Mr. McGrath into approximately 18 inches of water."

The ditch is located about 30 feet south of SR 60 and approximately 6 feet below the road.

"Mr. McGrath was not wearing a helmet or other protective equipment at the time of the crash," Wilder said, adding that the ATV was equipped with lights.

The Polk County Medical Examiner's Office will determine the cause and manner of McGrath's death.

Photo courtesy Polk County Sheriff's Office