Underhill critical after four-wheeler accident

By JAMES CLARK / Editor for the Southern Standard

A McMinnville fireman washes debris from Walnut Street where a four-wheeler accident occurred last night. Walnut is a short road that connects Lind and High streets. (James Clark photo)

A Hill Street resident was in critical condition last night awaiting a life flight to Vanderbilt after wrecking her four-wheeler on Walnut Street.

Denise Underhill, 42, lost control of her four-wheeler and wrecked at around 7:20 p.m. Thursday.

According to eyewitnesses, Underhill was traveling on Walnut Street toward High Street when she began to lose control. Officer Bo Hutchins said according to his investigation, the four-wheeler briefly rode on its two side wheels before tipping over on the victim.

Hutchins said witnesses weren’t able to estimate Underhill’s speed. From where the first skid marks were seen to where the four-wheeler came to rest was 56 feet. She was not wearing a helmet.

While somewhat common outside the city limits, four-wheeler accidents are a rarity inside McMinnville city limits.

“We don’t get a lot of them, mainly because you’re not supposed to ride them on city streets,” said Hutchins. “I’ve been here 16 years and this is the first one I’ve worked.”