The Iowa Department of Natural Resources identified the victim as Emily Nichole Turner of Jamesport, Missouri.
The single-vehicle crash occurred at approximately 8 p.m. Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Bluff Creek Off-Highway Vehicle Park southwest of Oskaloosa.
Turner was operating the ATV on one of the park’s tracks when she lost control and was ejected, according to the DNR.
Eddyville first responders, Mahaska County sheriff’s deputies and Iowa DNR personnel rushed to the scene and began lifesaving measures.
Turner was transported to Mahaska Health in Oskaloosa, where she was pronounced dead later Saturday night.
Authorities have not disclosed what caused Turner to lose control, how fast the ATV was traveling or whether protective equipment was being used. The deadly crash remains under investigation.
Popular park built on abandoned coal mine
Bluff Creek is a 350-acre riding area developed on the site of an abandoned coal mine.
The park offers approximately 20 miles of trails, steep hill climbs, deep pits and four motocross tracks. One track is intended for novice and beginner riders, while another extremely challenging section is commonly called the “gravity cavity.”
The DNR provides law-enforcement assistance at Bluff Creek and Iowa’s other designated off-highway riding areas, many of which are operated by clubs, associations or local governments.
ATV and UTV crashes have become an increasing safety concern as the machines grow more popular in Iowa.
State highway-safety officials reported that 10 people died in Iowa ATV and UTV crashes during 2025, down from 20 deaths the previous year. The number of registered machines has risen sharply in recent years.
The DNR advises riders to wear helmets, operate at safe speeds, avoid alcohol and use safety harnesses when available.
Turner remembered as hardworking young woman
Turner was born December 6, 1999, in Trenton, Missouri, and remained a lifelong resident of Jamesport. She graduated from Tri-County High School in 2018.
She worked as a weatherization crew leader for Green Hills Community Action Agency and was taking classes to become an energy auditor. Turner also worked part time at the Galt Cafe.
Funeral services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday, August 14, at the A.V. Spillman Event Center in Jamesport.
Turner’s death is another reminder of the potentially deadly forces involved in recreational ATV riding. In 2022, NIT reported that a 53-year-old Iowa man died in an ATV accident at a wildlife area.