Child killed in Jeep flip at Tennessee off-road park

LAWRENCEBURG, Tenn. – A man accused of driving under the influence at an off-road park in Tennessee has been blamed for the death of a 12-year-old girl.

WTVF-TV reports Arika Long was 50-year-old Thomas Ruggeri’s passenger at Wheelin’ in the Country late Friday night. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Capt. Adam Brewer says she was killed when their modified Jeep hit a rock and flipped over. She was trapped for 30 minutes before first responders reached the park’s remote location.

Ruggeri’s14-year-old child also was a passenger and suffered minor injuries. Brewer said no one was wearing a seatbelt.

Ruggeri is charged with vehicular homicide, operating a vehicle under influence and possession of drug paraphernalia in connection with marijuana pipes found. It’s unclear whether he has a lawyer.

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Information from: WTVF-TV, http://www.newschannel5.com