NC Teen Firefighter Dies in ATV Wreck at Motorsport Park Event

A 17-year-old North Carolina volunteer firefighter was killed at a motorsport event when the ATV he was operating flipped over and the attached tank landed on top of him causing traumatic brain injuries

According to television station WRAL, Brock Currens hit the brakes too hard on the ATV, went over the handlebars, causing the vehicle to tip over with the tank landing on top of him causing traumatic brain injuries. He was working at the Galot Motorsports Park in Johnston County when the accident happened. He was assisting with crashes and fires at a demolition derby-like event described as "full-contact car racing."

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Currens was a member of the Four Oaks Volunteer Fire Department. According a news release posted on the fire department’s Facebook page, Currens  was fatally injured while “going out to a fire at a local race track. The Facebook posting also said that Currens was a junior in high school and in the Fire Program in Johnston County.

The television station reported Currens was a member of the Galot Motor Park fire brigade team and was a volunteer firefighter with Four Oaks for two years.

It was reported that Currens died at WakeMed as a result of the injuries.

Four Oaks firefighters remembered Currens on their Facebook page with a statement which said in part he “loved the outdoors and was an avid fisherman” and enjoyed his truck and “making it louder.” It asked for prayers for his family and the “fire family as we try to heal."

"Brock will be missed by everyone," the fire department's statement said. 

There was no information about funeral services late Sunday night.