Bartow, FL Student, Layne Michael Smith, 19, Dies After ATV Flips at River Ranch Hunt Club Near Lake Wales

A 19-year-old Bartow man lost his life in the early morning hours of May 31, 2026, after his all-terrain vehicle flipped during a nighttime ride with friends at River Ranch Hunt Club near Lake Wales.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the death of Layne Michael Smith, whose passing has shaken his community and left family and friends searching for ways to come together in his honor.

Deputies and Polk County Fire Rescue crews were called to the scene at 18550 County Road 630 at around 2:34 a.m. Because the crash happened several miles off the main road, PCSO’s Agriculture Unit had to transport first-responders deep into the property to reach Smith.

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According to investigators, Smith had been riding alongside a group of friends when they noticed he was no longer keeping up with them. When the group turned back to find him, they discovered Smith pinned beneath his overturned ATV.

He was semi-conscious when they first reached him but soon became unresponsive. Friends performed CPR while waiting for help to arrive, but Smith did not survive his injuries.

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What Investigators Found at the Scene

Based on physical evidence and statements from witnesses, PCSO believes Smith attempted a sharp turn at speed. The wheels of the ATV caught in the soft dirt, causing the vehicle to flip over on top of him.

Investigators noted that Smith was not wearing a helmet or any other protective gear at the time of the crash. The investigation remains open.

ATV accidents involving young riders continue to be a concern across rural Florida, where off-road riding is common on private hunt clubs and large agricultural properties.

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Safety advocates have long pointed to helmet use as one of the most effective ways to reduce fatalities in these crashes, particularly during nighttime rides when visibility and reaction time are already limited.

A Community Rallies Around His Family

In the days following his death, those closest to Layne Smith have described him as a kind and loyal friend whose presence brought joy to everyone around him.

A GoFundMe campaign was launched to help his family cover funeral and burial costs, which can easily run into the thousands of dollars with little warning. The fundraiser, organized by Patricia Gete, describes Layne as someone who touched many lives and left behind an immeasurable void.

His close friend Kaylee Bullard shared the fundraiser on social media, writing that Layne was her best friend and asking those who wanted to honor him to consider contributing to the campaign.

Within hours of going live, donors began responding. As of Monday, the fund had received its first contributions toward a $10,000 goal.

For those who knew Layne in Bartow and the surrounding Polk County area, the loss has been sudden and devastating. He was only 19 years old, with his life very much ahead of him.

Anyone wishing to support the Smith family can search for the campaign titled “In Loving Memory of Layne Michael Smith” on GoFundMe.

Those unable to donate financially are encouraged to share the page and keep the family in their thoughts during what is described as an incredibly difficult time.