David Febres, 55, of Dracut, Died After an ATV Crash on the Rockingham Recreational Trail in Fremont
FREMONT, NEW HAMPSHIRE (October 31, 2026) – A 55-year-old man from Dracut, Massachusetts identified as David Febres has tragically died in a Fremont ATV accident on the Rockingham Recreational Trail.
New Hampshire Fish and Game officials are saying that the accident occurred shortly after 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 31. Febres was reportedly operating the ATV when it crashed. Officials have not said what caused the crash.
A New Hampshire Fish and Game Conservation Officer, Fremont police officers and the Fremont Fire Department responded and met with members of the riding party. Fremont firefighters removed Febres from the scene, and Boston MedFlight flew him to Elliot Hospital in Manchester. Despite life-saving measures, he was later pronounced deceased.
A full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash remains ongoing at this time.
You can help support the Febres family through GoFundMe. According to the online fundraiser, as reported by Fall River Reporter, “To know Dave was to love Dave. He was selfless, kind and oh so loving.”
DiBella Law remains committed to improving public safety and increasing transparency through our Free Police Report program. If you’ve been involved in any type of accident that required a police response, we can help you get a copy of the police report created at no cost or obligation to you.
Liability for Fremont ATV Accidents
New Hampshire law treats off-highway riding as a risky activity. Under New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated 215-A:5-c (RSA 215-A:5-c), “It is recognized that OHRV operation may be hazardous,” and each person who drives or rides an OHRV “accepts, as a matter of law, the dangers inherent in the sport.” The statute bars riders from suing an owner, occupant or lessee of land for those inherent dangers.
That does not mean every ATV crash is simply bad luck. Courts will consider a number of factors when evaluating liability for any ATV accident.
- Vehicle Condition: Whether brakes, steering, throttle or other parts failed because of a defect or poor repair.
- Other Riders: Whether another operator in the area rode carelessly or at an unsafe speed.
- Rental or Ownership: Whether the ATV was rented or borrowed, and whether it was properly maintained and inspected.
- Trail Conditions: What the riding party and investigators found at the crash site.
A manufacturer or seller of a defective ATV or part may be held responsible under product liability law, and RSA 215-A:5-c’s bar is written for landholders, not for manufacturers. Where a rental company or another rider’s negligence contributed to a crash, those parties may also share liability.
Officials have not said what caused this crash, and any question of responsibility will depend on the findings of the Fish and Game investigation.
ATV Safety Practices That Can Help Prevent Trail Crashes
Far too many people are seriously injured or killed every year in preventable accidents involving ATVs and other off-highway vehicles. According to a May 2024 statement from a U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission commissioner, “CPSC documented 990 off-highway vehicle (OHV) fatalities in 2020.”
New Hampshire Fish and Game reminds riders to be cautious and to weigh their operating experience, trail conditions, weather and the time of day. Other steps that can lower the risk of a serious crash include:
- Wear Protective Gear: A properly fitted helmet, eye protection, gloves and boots on every ride.
- Ride Within Your Experience: Take a safety course and choose trails that match your skill level.
- Inspect the Machine: Check brakes, tires, throttle and lights before heading out.
- Keep a Safe Speed: Slow down on curves, hills and unfamiliar sections of trail.
- Ride With Others: A riding party can call for help quickly if something goes wrong.
When a defective vehicle, a careless rider or another party’s negligence contributes to a crash, families who have lost a loved one may be able to seek some measure of accountability through a wrongful death claim.
Getting Legal Help After a New Hampshire ATV Accident
We at DiBella Law extend our deepest condolences to the family of David Febres.
Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to New Hampshire Fish and Game investigators.
This crash raises important safety questions. What caused the ATV to crash on this stretch of the trail, and was the vehicle in safe working condition?
Have you or a loved one been injured in an ATV accident in New Hampshire? You may be entitled to significant financial compensation. Our team of experienced ATV accident attorneys is here to support you. We are committed to helping victims get the medical and financial assistance that they need to recover and move forward with their lives. Whether you just have legal questions or need any other type of support, we are here to help you. You can reach out to us anytime at 617-600-0000.
Get in touch with us today to get a free consultation.