ATV Death Moves Mom to Encourage Helmet Safety

A 9-year-old-is dead after she was killed in an ATV accident in Conway County on Sunday.

Now a mother is using this personal tragedy to save lives, by getting the word out about helmet safety.

Lynia Gilliam was getting ready to start the 4^th grade at Morrilton Intermediate, but her life was cut short by this accident.

"She rode her bicycle everywhere, never wore shoes, outside girl country hick," said her mother Natasha Gilliam.

But Sunday Lynia was riding on the back of an ATV on Tucker Mountain Road in Solgohachia.

"We do believe it started right there where the asphalt is, they flipped and all of them were ejected, " said Lynia's aunt Melissa Bridgman.

The 25-year-old driving the ATV was able to carry Lynia's body to what is now a memorial.

None of the three were wearing a helmet.

"That's my advice to every parent out there is make sure they where a helmet from now on," said Gilliam.

At hometown ATV & More in Conway the owner, Allen Shaver, has a display of helmets to go along with 4-Wheelers.

"We always mention it, every parent needs to make their child wear a helmet it's just safe," said Shaver.

Although, Gilliam said she blames no one and it was strictly an accident, from now on, when her daughters decide to trade in their bikes for the ATV, they will wear a helmet.

"Because you would never think that would happen, but anything is possible, and hit hurts my daughter had to go through it."

Lynia's aunt said they hope to create a helmet in her name called Nay Nay.

If you would like to help the family please send to Bob Neal and Sons Funeral Home.

Lynia_Gilliam_Memorial_Fund@yahoo.com through Pay Pal.

Or take to US Bank next to Wal-Mart.

Lynia's funeral is Wednesday August 15^th.