A FREAK ACCIDENT HAS CLAIMED THE LIFE OF A TRI CITIES HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR. 18 YEAR OLD MICHAEL PAYNE, A STUDENT AT DAVID CROCKETT HIGH SCHOOL, DIED AFTER THE ATV HE WAS OPERATING LEFT THE ROADWAY ON BEARFIELD ROAD IN THE SOUTH CENTRAL COMMUNITY OF THE COUNTY YESTERDAY AFTERNOON. PAYNE’S ATV APPARENTLY STRUCK A DOG, CUASING HIM TO LOSE CONTROL, AND TRAVEL DOWN AN EMBANKMENT. PAYNE WAS TREATED AT THE SCENE, AND TRANSPORTED TO JOHNSON CITY MEDICAL CENTER, WHERE HE LATER DIED. FAMILY, CLASSMATES, AND FRIENDS ARE MOURNING THE LOSS. A CHAPLIN FROM THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE IS AT THE HIGH SCHOOL TODAY TO ASSIST STUDENTS WITH ANY GRIEF COUNSELING.