Teen killed as dirt bike strikes metal chain

A 15-year-old boy died over the weekend when his dirt bike crashed, in an accident that residents say was a tragedy waiting to happen.

Stephen Brown was driving his brand-new dirt bike on a road in Lethbridge towards a scrap yard on Saturday around noon when his bike hit a chain meant to keep unauthorized people out of the area.

His body was thrown for about three metres, while his bike went for another seven metres.

A local resident came upon the scene shortly after. Brown was still wearing his helmet, but everything at the site suggested he had died instantly.

People in the community told CBC News a warning sign had dropped off the chain and had never been replaced.

Brown, who was originally from Musgravetown, lived in St. John's with his father. He was visiting family in the area over the long weekend.

The road he died on runs through family property.

People in the area described Brown as a good, quiet boy.

Brown's father was deeply shaken by the accident. He said his son was an honours student, who never got into any trouble, and always wore full biking gear.

Police are releasing little information while their investigation into the accident continues.