William Shimmin Killed in ATV Accident on Thrift Rd near Burkburnett, TX
Burkburnett, TX — December 2, 2022, 65-year-old William Shimmin died in a single-vehicle ATV accident on Thrift Road near Burkburnett.
Authorities say the incident happened Friday along Thrift Road near Shimmin's home. Preliminary investigation suggests only that Shimmin was driving the ATV north of town when he lost control and was ejected.
Shimmin suffered fatal injuries in the accident, which is still under investigation.
No further information is available at this time.
Commentary on William Shimmin Accident on Thrift Road
Reports only say the victim "lost control" but don't have much insight into how or why. I hope before anyone rushes to blame operator error that other possible factors will get proper attention.
For instance, it's worth noting that there have been many ATV recalls over the last few years related to all kinds of part failures, from sticking throttles to steering column breakage to several fuel- and fire-related problems. I have no specific reason to think the ATV on Thrift Road was faulty, but it'd likely be best to double-check nothing went wrong with it--if for no other reason than to rule a potential factor out.
To be clear, I don't know more than reports tell. Maybe the crash really happened due to the driver making a mistake, or maybe it was out of his hands. At the end of the day, only clear facts should have the final word. That's why getting as many of them as possible should always be a top priority. If police don't have the time or inclination to look as closely as is needed, maybe someone else should.
