HAVERHILL - A Haverhill man who broke his spine when he was thrown from his all terrain vehicle Saturday is in good condition at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston.
Michael Dovey, 22, a graduate of Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School, was riding his ATV in the woods behind his former school just before dusk on Saturday when the accident occurred.
Rescue workers, who were contacted by Dovey on his cell phone, arranged for a medical flight out because an ambulance could not safely access the area where the crash occurred, police said.
Dovey's brother, Joshua Dovey, 21, said he was sitting nearby with other ATV riders watching as Michael drove his ATV up an embankment near a sandpit doing a "horseshoe" turn.
He said that on the way down the hill, the front of the ATV stopped suddenly, causing its rear wheels to lift up into the air.
"He flipped over and free-fell about 15 feet before landing in sand," Joshua said. "We rushed over to help him, but his back was hurt and he could not get up. He called for help on his cell phone."
Joshua Dovey called it a "freak accident" and said his brother has years of experience driving ATVs.
"He's been riding ever since he was a kid," Joshua Dovey said.
Michael Dovey was initially listed in fair condition, according to Beth Israel spokeswoman Bonnie Prescott.
Joshua Dovey said his brother suffered four fractures to his lower spine but is already up and walking at the hospital.
"They have him in a back brace, he may need therapy for some time, and he'll have to rest for a few months," Joshua Dovey said.
Vanessa Gulati, spokeswoman for the Massachusetts Environmental Police, said Dovey's accident is under investigation.
"Any accident regarding any off-road vehicle accident has to be investigated," Gulati said.
