Fourth Grader, Age 9, Dies After ATV Accident

October 12, 2011

A 9-year old girl has died as a result of  injuries she received in an ATV crash Tuesday afternoon in Walnut Hill.

Meagan Wilburn, a fourth grade student at Bratt Elementary School, passed away Tuesday night at Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola, according to family members.

Family members said Wilburn was among three people on an ATV at a home on Occie Phillips Road when they struck an embankment and the ATV overturned. An unknown object penetrated her chest. The other two individuals on the ATV were not seriously injured.

Wilburn’s mother and grandfather drove her about nine miles in a pickup truck from the extremely rural home to the Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue to meet awaiting first responders. She was airlifted by LifeFlight to Sacred Heart Hospital.

Meagan Wilburn is survived by her mother, Rebekah Wilburn, and siblings Cailee Wilburn and Tyler Love. Funeral services are incomplete at this time.

Pictured above and below: Nine-year old Meagan Wilburn was driven to the Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue following an ATV accident Tuesday afternoon on Occie Phillips Road. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

Comments

101 Responses to “Fourth Grader, Age 9, Dies After ATV Accident”

  1. Madison on February 7th, 2015 9:20 pm

    I never new Meagan she was a grade ahead of me. I’ve heard stories though. She is a very sweet girl. I know her sister cailee and I know I never knew her, but I still feel empty.im a few years late. In fourth grade I would walk past the memorial and I wished we could be friends. Little Meagan is watching from heaven.

  2. Donna Whisenhant on January 18th, 2013 7:38 pm

    So sad to hear of your loss Rebekah, you may not remember me but I knew you and your sister when we were little kids.my prayers are with you. Love Tammy Lynn Vardeman

  3. Alexia Broadhead on February 5th, 2012 12:37 pm

    i will miss her forever i just wish we could go back in time and tell her no but GOD wanted a sweetie earlier than what i exspected

  4. Dale and Pam Robbins on October 16th, 2011 8:48 pm

    We understand. Our 17 y/o son passed away on March 17th last year after a car accident.

    Only the love of God can soothe the pain and the hurt. You will be in our prayers.

    Dale and Pam Robbins
    Sarasota, FL

  5. James Lamar on October 14th, 2011 1:22 am

    I lost one of my daughters in 1996 and know the pain your family is feeling. Just know that our God is merciful and loving and did not take your child .But He has, through Jesus Christ your dear child in His loving arms. Look for the small signs that she is with Him , a butterfly that lingers or a picture that catches the corner of your eye and smiles back for an instant. You will know that Meagan is safe and has angel work and play in heaven to do. And that there will be in the future a most joyous reunion.lasting forever.

  6. cori/ cousin on October 13th, 2011 2:13 pm

    i love you megan i cant believe your gone. you will always be in out hearts forever<3 love you babygirl!

  7. SouthernGirl on October 12th, 2011 11:28 pm

    My prayers go out to the family. I am so so sorry for your loss. God bless all of you.

  8. Hannah Broz on October 12th, 2011 10:17 pm

    im going to miss this girl so much! i LOVE you Meagan! you will be in my heart forever! <3 Hannah, your friend:')

  9. Ann Baker on October 12th, 2011 10:03 pm

    To Rebekah and family: I’m so so sorry for your loss. It doesn’t make sense and it is beyond our comprehension why. While I haven’t met her I always enjoyed your facebook posts about her and your other kids. I pray that you be given strength to be strong for your daughter and son. I pray that you all will be comforted by God during this hard time and always. Tonight Kimmie said a prayer for you all as well, when she was going to bed. We all send our love and prayers.

  10. Cailee Wilburn on October 12th, 2011 8:35 pm

    This is my sis.Forever she will be missed.We did every thing we could.

  11. JSCS on October 12th, 2011 8:35 pm

    Our prayers go out to Meagan’s family. She was a beautiful little girl. Lean on God and He will sustain you in the sad days ahead. Meagan is now sitting at the feet of Jesus. No more tears, no more pain, just love from her Heavenly Father.

  12. KRB IN WALNUT HILL on October 12th, 2011 7:29 pm

    God love you little one. So precious but such a short life. I suppose God just needed another beautiful little angel. Say hello to my dad i lost last year and my brother i lost 3 years ago. Now you are able to look out for your family and all your friends and nothing will never,ever hurt you again. May God spread his arms around this family and help them through these trying times.

  13. A Mom on October 12th, 2011 7:11 pm

    so sorry for your lose no one should lose a child so young. My heart goes out to your family may peace come to your family.

  14. Justin miller on October 12th, 2011 6:44 pm

    I will pray for Meagon.She is a beautiful child.I bet brat will miss her a lot

  15. Sarah Hardy on October 12th, 2011 6:42 pm

    Dear Cousin and Family-
    Hugs and prayers are with you today and days to come! We love you and may God give you strength!

    -Sarah, David, James, and Faith

  16. molino mom on October 12th, 2011 5:05 pm

    My prayers go out to the family and friends of Meagan. What a beautiful little girl. My son was killed by a fallen tree 10 days b/4 his 7th birthday. Although it has been over 13 years since his accident, my heart still breaks. While one never completely heals from this God will give you peace and understanding over time. If you get a chance to read the book, Heaven is for Real, please do b/c it answered a lot of questions that I had. God bless this family and the friends as you all begin to heal.

  17. AlabamaChick on October 12th, 2011 4:54 pm

    Praying for the family.I know bratt will miss deeply!

  18. Aunt Tammy in Michigan on October 12th, 2011 4:50 pm

    Meagan was a beautiful child and a beautiful soul. She will be so deeply missed. She is in Heaven now with her Papa. I’m sure they are fishing at this very minute. Lord please keep Jimmy and Rebekah and the rest of the family in your loving arms. Give us all strength to make it through this. We know Meagan is in a better place but we will miss her so deeply.

  19. Senior on October 12th, 2011 4:22 pm

    One of Gods special angles. Prays for the family. Hold close to God.

  20. motherof4 on October 12th, 2011 4:11 pm

    I have a son, Brandon, who is 10 and is in the fourth grade at Bratt. He was so upset about Meagen. What a precious little angel. We are so sorry for your loss.

  21. MA DOUGLAS on October 12th, 2011 3:59 pm

    I am very sorry for your loss. Never met her but Love Tyler as 1 of my Grandkids.
    Hang in there Tyler, Ma owes you a big hug.

  22. M.R on October 12th, 2011 2:37 pm

    Got to know Megan over the summer and the last part of school she was my granddaughter sweetie very best friend this little girl was such a joy to be around they both made be laugh I will miss her very much, to her family if there is anything I can do please ask I know that God has avery special angel in heaven now

  23. Justin on October 12th, 2011 2:29 pm

    I am sorr for the truble u r going through I will pray for u. It would be very sad if my nine yr old died and I’m shire it is for u. Dad always told me to be careful on any motor active vehicle. I

  24. Laura Cook on October 12th, 2011 2:18 pm

    I did not know this sweet little girl but Chad called me last night and told us the news and he was heading down to the hospital. He said she was such a beautiful little girl he was praying she would make it but later called and said she did not. Our prayers are with the family but God had a special place for her and He will give you peace in the days to come. Just trust him.

  25. bobby mathis and the mathis family on October 12th, 2011 1:34 pm

    we are very sorry for your lost.of a love one.and for your family. it is so hard to your lost.I know how you feel .my son nick. passaway in feb 2011 .at first it was so hard .but time will heel you.you nevery get over it because of that love you have for th em.but we keep going for other in our live .that is what meagan would wont you to do. but life is short.and in time it get a little better. yes i mis nick. but i know he in my heart and mind because of that love for him. i know he with our lord jesus christ.and meagan to.there a time god feel that way when jesus left heven to come to save the lost god feel’s just like we do. but some day we well see them .just like when jesus went back home .we all so one day going home to be with them i have ask god to give you peace andjoy. i’m so so sorry.my heart is so heavy for you my god bless you all. my love goes out to you and family.
    may god bless you all

  26. B on October 12th, 2011 1:29 pm

    I wouldn’t know what to do if something happened to my 9 yr old. Praying for the family during this difficult time.

  27. Mistie Oliver on October 12th, 2011 11:48 am

    Iam so sorry for your family.I know how hard it is to loose someone so young and dear to your heart.I just lost someone we loved very much.I will keep your family in my prayers
    .

  28. byrneville resident on October 12th, 2011 11:41 am

    God I pray that you comfort and hold this family at their time of need. God they need you so much right now. This young soul taken so quickly and untimely is truely in the arms of our Savior. Hold tight to God and always remember He is near. God bless.

  29. Sherry Barrett on October 12th, 2011 11:40 am

    Prayers for Family and Friends in this sad time.

  30. Allan, Michelle, Emily and Susan on October 12th, 2011 11:37 am

    We are praying for Rebekah, Zena, Gordon, Tammy, Caillie and Tyler and all extended family. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. Even though Allan and I and Emily and Susan never met Meaghan and Caille, we still miss Meaghan as part of our family. See you up in Heaven, Meaghan!! Love Uncle Allan, Aunt Michelle, Emily and Susan.

  31. Wilma Gibson on October 12th, 2011 11:37 am

    Dear Rebekah, I hardly know where to begin. I have not been close in many years, but you will always have a special place in my heart for the friendship you ans Melanie shared. I wish life could have stayed the way it was for both of you. It doesn’t and with the help of God we get through what we have to. I love you and will pray for you in the days and months ahead. I want to come see you soon. I will phone Melanie tonight. Tell Zena and Gordon how sorry we are and love them.

  32. Anthony Borelli on October 12th, 2011 11:31 am

    I cannot imagine the pain and sorrow the family must feel at the loss of this beautiful young girl. My thoughts and prayers are with them.

  33. Uncle Gerry on October 12th, 2011 11:26 am

    Rebekah, Zena, Gordon, Cailee and Tyler:

    Aunt Kathy and I are without words and feel helpless as you go through this horrific loss. Our every thought is with you.

  34. Emily Johnson on October 12th, 2011 11:20 am

    This is so sad!!! My heart is breaking for this family. I will be praying! Little Meagan is now watching from Heaven!

  35. Ginger on October 12th, 2011 11:16 am

    God gave Megan a pair of wings to go to heaven, Prayer’s for the entire family. RIP Angel.

  36. ms k on October 12th, 2011 11:02 am

    This is so sad. God Bless this family. I have a 9 year old son and this is very heart breaking!

  37. Kristy Mauldin Garrett on October 12th, 2011 11:01 am

    I am so sorry for ur loss Wilburn and Freeman family u all are in my prayers, and to Hay Hay I love u buddy glad u alright.

  38. Marlin on October 12th, 2011 10:56 am

    We will be praying for the family, and may God put his arms around them in this time of need.

  39. Morgan on October 12th, 2011 10:54 am

    My thoughts and prayers go out to this family. Heaven has welcomed a beautiful angel!

  40. Serena on October 12th, 2011 10:52 am

    I’m praying for the family in their time of loss. May God give you the strength to help you find peace.

  41. Tyler Love on October 12th, 2011 10:47 am

    I will never stop love you Mea. You will always be my little dare devil.

  42. Thai on October 12th, 2011 10:46 am

    Rebekah -

    I was lucky to hear Meagan on the phone with her Aunt, and learned more about her with gymnastics yesterday during lunch. I have children about Meagan age, but I can’t imagine the pain you are going through right now. I am so sorry for your lost. My thoughts are with you and your family.

  43. Beverly Cawby on October 12th, 2011 10:39 am

    My thoughts and prayers are with all of your family. What a beautiful angel the Lord is holding in His Arms! May His Love surround you.

  44. JD Barnett on October 12th, 2011 10:34 am

    Gordon and Family, I,m so sorry about your loss My family and I will keep you and yours in our prayers. Let me know if you need anything.
    JD Barnett

  45. Angelia Marlow Pope on October 12th, 2011 10:26 am

    Our prayers are with this family…

  46. Barbara Hollingsworth on October 12th, 2011 10:05 am

    My heart breaks for u all. If there’s anythings we can do just call. Our prayers are will u all. God Bless U all in time of need

  47. Allison on October 12th, 2011 9:44 am

    SSSSSSOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO SORRRRYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!U MUST FEEL TTTTTTTTTTEEEEEEERRRRRRRRIIIIIBBBBLLLLLEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  48. pensacola resident on October 12th, 2011 9:36 am

    Words simply fail to convey feelings of loss in times like this. Our prayers go out to the Wilburn family.

  49. Susan Brown on October 12th, 2011 9:14 am

    My deepest sympathy goes out to this family such a tragic accident what a beautiful little angel she was. I will be praying you find the strength to help you and your family through this very sad time lean on each other and remember all the good times you shared with Meagan.

  50. Aunt Tammy on October 12th, 2011 9:06 am

    My heart is breaking. I am going to miss you sweetheart. But I will see you in heaven. I love you that’s what!

  51. Caitlin on October 12th, 2011 9:00 am

    God be with this family in this time of need!

  52. Wes York on October 12th, 2011 8:56 am

    Worried and prayed all night woke up and read this story , we are so sorry for your loss. Dont know what to say, doesn’t seem fair so young and innocent. Can’t imagine what you and your family are going thru but if you need anything let us know. Thoughts and prayers are with you..

  53. Jamie Hardy on October 12th, 2011 8:52 am

    I don’t know this family or little Megan, but my thoughts and prayers goes out to the Family and little Megan. As soon as I heard this announced on the Channel 3 News last night around 10pm, I started saying my prayers for God to ease her pain and to help her. I didn’t sleep good last night because I mind was on Little Megan. I know she is in ‘GREAT HANDS’ – (God’s hands) now. Megan will be watching over you guys now. I am sooo sorry for your loss. I will continue to pray for your family. So sorry again.

  54. Chad on October 12th, 2011 8:45 am

    What a beautiful angel god chose to bring home. My prayers and sympathy go out to the Wilburn and Freeman Family. I will miss you my little Sharp Shooter.

  55. Dan on October 12th, 2011 8:43 am

    God bless this little angel.
    My prayers are with the family.

  56. Rita on October 12th, 2011 8:41 am

    Dear Rebekah, Zena, and all of the family. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of your great sorrow at the loss of your beautiful child, Meagan. This is heartbreaking. Words cannot express. She is now in the arms of Jesus and I pray he gives you comfort at this time.
    Love and sympathy to all.

    Rita Dagen

  57. Stacey on October 12th, 2011 8:39 am

    Will be in prayer for this family. My daughter just loves these girls:( My heart goes out to the family!

  58. rolltide on October 12th, 2011 8:38 am

    My thoughts and prayers are with this family today and in the days ahead. The picture here of Meagan is beautiful. She truly looks like an angel. She will forever be your special angel, watching over you. Go to God in prayer and He will help you heal. You will forever feel the loss of your daughter but God will help you through it and slowly with His help, time will ease your pain.

  59. Sonja Syria on October 12th, 2011 8:30 am

    Sorry for your lost, but it’s Christ gain. She’s in heaven now singing ang and dancing with the angels. My prayers will be with you all. May God keep you, and strengthen your mind, heart, and soul. She heard a voice saying come home my child, I’ll give you rest. She want have to worry about this sinful world, she has a new home which is not made by man. Just remember we all got to leave here one day. We are just pilgrims passing through, and if we want to see her again one day, we got to live right and do the work of the Lord, and obey his commandment. May God keep you all.

  60. Big Bopper on October 12th, 2011 8:17 am

    2nd day in a row to read something terrible has happened to some little girl.
    My thoughts and prayers will be with this family for the rest of the day.
    What a perfect little face she had really. ANGELIC!

  61. Grandmaof7 on October 12th, 2011 8:11 am

    My sympathy to the mother of this precious child. God took her home and we are left to wonder why, but you do have an angel now, just as you had for 9 years.

  62. Gifford family on October 12th, 2011 8:07 am

    Our family is in heartache. We are so sorry! May God bless you all! Its so sad how quickly life can change. You are in our prayers!

  63. Willene & Preston Bryan on October 12th, 2011 8:05 am

    Prayer’s are going for family and friends.

  64. Vicki Baggett on October 12th, 2011 8:04 am

    I am so sorry for your loss. May God surround your hearts and minds with the comfort that only He can give. We cannot see His big plan, but please rest in the knowledge that He is in control. It is okay to ask “Why,” but seek answers from Him and His Godly saints. Prayers are going up for you and yours.

  65. Greg Cunningham on October 12th, 2011 7:53 am

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!!

  66. jennifer on October 12th, 2011 7:49 am

    Prayers going up for this family during this time of great loss! Meagan was a sweet child. May God give her family peace during these difficult days ahead.

  67. RJay on October 12th, 2011 7:39 am

    I can’t even find the words to express the flood of emotions, and I can only imagine what her family must be feeling. I am deeply troubled by your loss.

  68. MC on October 12th, 2011 7:33 am

    So sad! Praying for the family!!

  69. So So Sorry on October 12th, 2011 7:18 am

    I am SO SO sorry for your loss. God Bless You and your family.

  70. kim on October 12th, 2011 7:16 am

    rebekah, we are so sorry to head about meagan, i cant even begin to think of what you may be going through! our hearts and prayers go out to you.we love ya…kim and john

  71. heather and Andy on October 12th, 2011 7:09 am

    Please keep The wilburn and freemans in your prayers, Along with Hadden Barlow and Caliee wilburn. RIP MAY MAY Aunt Heather and Uncle Andy LOVE YOU..

  72. Molino Res on October 12th, 2011 7:07 am

    My thoughts and prayers are with this family.

  73. melissa on October 12th, 2011 7:06 am

    This is so sad. I will pray for her family. May she rest in peace. This just hits me because I have a son that is 9 and this accident could have happened to anybody.This is when people should start thinking “What if” what if i hit something what if a accident happens are we going to be safe. Rest in peace mommy

  74. Rena Baker on October 12th, 2011 6:57 am

    God Bless and keep my little niece close at his side. Our family will never be the same without her. We will miss her beautiful smile and her sweet and loving ways. We’ll see you again soon Meagan-we love you! Aunt Rena and Uncle Butch

  75. Shawn Rudd on October 12th, 2011 6:39 am

    My soul hurts over hearing this, such a precious life, such a beautiful child, too soon my Lord, too soon to claim this angel…

    “I am leaving you with a gift — peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27

  76. sara on October 12th, 2011 6:23 am

    I am so sorry for her parents…I cannot imagine what they must be going through…I really think those ATV things should be against the law…so many children hurt & killed on them.

  77. David Huie Green on October 12th, 2011 5:37 am

    sad

  78. Ashley Joiner on October 12th, 2011 5:36 am

    ‘Little Bit’ she’s the most sweetest and adorable little girl I’ve ever met. I still can’t believe this has happened. She’s so little, so young :( I know she wll never be forgotten. We all love and miss her.
    ‘Theres holes in the floor of heaven, …and she watching us right now’

  79. Baebae on October 12th, 2011 5:16 am

    So sad….I KNOW …..time may not heal….but it helps to ease the heartache…GOD makes no mistakes…lives will be changed through this…I KNOW…one day all tears will be wiped away by GOD himself…..but until that day we must endure…JESUS said that if you suffer with me you will also reign with me…for those of you that know this family please remain close to them if you can…supporting them means more than you will ever know

  80. Rebekah on October 12th, 2011 4:22 am

    Meagan is my daughter. The four wheeler wrecked and fell on top of her with the handle bars penetrating her chest. She fought hard to try and stay with us but we lost her after about 5 hours. Shes my angel now.. I love you Meagan. Mommy loves you!!!

  81. Nicole on October 12th, 2011 4:20 am

    Prayers being sent!

  82. Stephanie on October 12th, 2011 4:10 am

    Such a terrible tradgedy.God Bless you all in this trying time. Heaven has another angel.

  83. Flguy on October 12th, 2011 3:45 am

    R.I.P little one,

  84. Larry on October 12th, 2011 3:31 am

    My prayers go out to the family. The loss of a child has to be the worse kind of pain there is. With Gods’ help and grace you will make it through this. Father be with them and be closer than you have ever been before so that they may feel your presence in this grieving hour. I Jesus name Amen and Amen

  85. EMD on October 12th, 2011 2:17 am

    What a beautiful child! May God’s great Peace surround her family and friends and draw them closer. I pray they will not have to grieve as those who have no Hope, but will be comforted by The God of all Comfort and Mercy and Grace.

  86. sl on October 12th, 2011 2:02 am

    Prayers for this beautiful child and her family. May God give them all the peace that only HE can give during this time of heartache.

  87. THE REAL MRS. HARTLEY on October 12th, 2011 1:51 am

    I hate to hear something like that happening to a young praying for her recovery and her family, God bless you and the lord is with you…

  88. WalnutHillGirl on October 12th, 2011 12:15 am

    Please, please, please keep this family in your prayers! They are going to need them!

  89. R C on October 12th, 2011 12:01 am

    I am praying for the family of this young angel little girl and loved ones.

  90. Just me on October 11th, 2011 11:45 pm

    R.I.P Megan!!!!

  91. Jen on October 11th, 2011 11:24 pm

    Praying for the family..

  92. Family member on October 11th, 2011 11:16 pm

    Keep our family in your prayers please

  93. Debbie on October 11th, 2011 10:21 pm

    does anyone know how thw little girl is doing

  94. wonder on October 11th, 2011 9:55 pm

    How is she now? Praying for her.

  95. pebbles on October 11th, 2011 9:43 pm

    joining the prayers for her and her family… I hope we find out if there a way for us to help…

  96. savannah on October 11th, 2011 8:32 pm

    THAT IS MY BFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF I LOVE HER LIKE A SIS AND SHE DOES TO FOREVER.

  97. Patty on October 11th, 2011 6:42 pm

    Praying for the girl and her family!!

  98. Terry on October 11th, 2011 6:32 pm

    Praying for this little girl…

  99. Angi B. on October 11th, 2011 6:31 pm

    Dear lord, please be with this little girl and make sure that she is alright…

  100. kk on October 11th, 2011 6:17 pm

    i will be praying for her and her family

  101. Delaney on October 11th, 2011 5:48 pm

    will be praying for this family. God bless them.