BY RACHEL DOVE
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

PILGRIM — A Lovely resident was airlifted to the Pikeville Medical Center Saturday evening after being involved in an ATV accident on Emily Creek.

According to the Martin County 911 log, the call for assistance came through at 5:53 p.m. reporting an ATV rider had gone over a cliff. Martin County Rescue Squad, Patriot Ambulance, the Martin County Sheriff’s Department, and firefighters from the Inez, Warfield and Pigeon Roost fire departments responded.

A search ensued for Warren Stepp Sr., the missing rider. His ATV was located near a roadway that Inez assistant fire chief Nick Endicott described as muddy and slick from the rain that had fallen throughout the day. Stepp was discovered a short time later not far from the ATV.

Responders reported Stepp opened his eyes and complained of chest pain, then was in and out of consciousness.

“The ambulance could not reach the area where the accident occurred,” said Endicott. “He was definitely off-road.”

Firefighters packaged Stepp and transported him off the hill, where Patriot Ambulance received him. Stepp was airlifted from the Pigeon Roost Park to a hospital.

According to a family friend, Stepp is in stable condition and recovering from his injuries.