13-year-old Tri-Cities student killed in UTV crash on a Franklin County farm

A 13-year-old girl died over the weekend in an off-road vehicle accident on a farm in northern Franklin County.

Khloe Kinchen of Pasco was riding in a farming area near the Juniper Dunes Wilderness Area when the utility terrain vehicle she was on crashed about 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Coroner Curtis McGary said.

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office said in a release Monday that the girl was in the rear passenger seat of the utility vehicle on private property near Kruse Road when the driver lost control.

The driver, who also was a juvenile, was speeding, said the release.

The vehicle rolled several times before stopping in a field. Kinchen was thrown out when it flipped.

Deputies and Franklin County Fire District 3 crews responded to the crash. Witnesses and first responders tried to revive the teen but she died at the crash scene.

It’s unclear if other passengers were onboard.

Sheriff’s officials said since the collision “exclusively involved minors,” no other information was going to be released.

Kinchen was a student at McLoughlin Middle School, and officials sent counselors to the school on Monday. Teachers have let students know that support is available if they need to talk with someone.

If students or their family members want to ask for help, they can contact the school office or the counselor.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

This story was originally published May 8, 2023 at 11:33 AM.