Student dies from ATV crash
Published 10:45 pm Thursday, March 26, 2009
An Isabella High School junior has died from injuries he received in a 4-wheeler accident last week.
Michael Andrew Melton, 17, of Maplesville was riding his 4-wheeler on March 19 when it overturned on top of him. Fairview Fire Department and his father, Andy, treated Melton at the scene and transported him to UAB Hospital.
Melton was in intensive care until he passed away Wednesday afternoon.
Melton left a lasting impression on his school and community. Isabella science teacher Jay LeCroy said Isabella students visited Melton while he was in the hospital, some staying as long as 20 hours at a time.
Isabella School leaders have kept the students and teachers informed on Melton’s condition. They sent home a letter yesterday informing them of his death and funeral arrangements. The school even held an informal memorial Wednesday night allowing students, friends and family members the chance to talk about Melton.
Isabella Fire Chief Brent Conway said Melton, who volunteered with the department, was a Christian who was not ashamed of his beliefs.
“His parents were great Christians. He never let anyone sway him away from his beliefs,” Conway said. “He’s a good leader and an extremely hard-worker.”
Melton was supposed to compete with Isabella’s environmental science team in the state Environmental Science Bowl today at McWane Center in Birmingham. LeCroy, who is the team’s sponsor, said Melton was a bright student.
“He excelled in just about everything he did,” LeCroy said.
Melton was also a member of the high school band and played many instruments including guitar, piano and tuba. In school, he also participated in Beta Club and math team. He also worked closely with his dad, who owned a home construction business.
Melton was aspiring to become a biochemist.
He is survived by his mother and stepfather, Jean and Frank Smith of Maplesville; father and stepmother, Andy and Christina Melton of Maplesville; brothers, Scott Melton of Maplesville and Justin Pate of Pinson; and his sister, Savana Melton of Maplesville.
Services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 28, in the Family Life Center of Mulberry Baptist Church. Visitation will be from 5-8 this evening in the Family Life Center at the church.