A 16-year-old boy who died after he was ejected during an ATV crash Thursday night in Madera County has been identified as Giovanni Martinez Placencia, a student at Chowchilla High School.

He was not wearing a helmet, authorities said.

A GoFundMe account has been set up to cover his funeral and memorial expenses. Thus far, more than $8,000 has been raised toward the $14,000 goal.

CHP Responds to Scene

California Highway Patrol officers based in Madera responded at about 8 p.m. to an orchard area near Avenue 20 1/2 and Road 20.

CHP said the youth was driving a 2017 Polaris ATV when he tried to cross an unmaintained private road on Avenue 20 1/2 and failed to notice a metal chain strung to prevent access.

The driver was ejected when the front of the ATV hit the chain, and the four-wheeler subsequently crashed into an almond tree.

Despite lifesaving measures by CHP and medical personnel, the teen was pronounced dead at the scene.

Neither alcohol nor drugs are suspected to have been a factor in this crash.

CHP reminds ATV riders to wear a properly fitted, DOT-compliant helmet and protective gear.