Sheriff's officials on Sunday identified the victim as Daniel R. Ricketts, who owns property and a residence on Saw Mill Road, near Thacher Park, where the accident took place.

Ricketts was driving an ATV in the backyard of his property around 2:30 p.m. Saturday when was nearly decapitated after running into a fine, nearly invisible wire that was among the fortifications set up around four large marijuana plants, Apple said. The sheriff added the wire appeared to be the type used in pianos, but he said it's unclear what purpose it served as a security measure other than being dangerous to someone driving an all-terrain vehicle or motorcycle.

Other protections for the plants included barbed wire and a leg trap similar to something used to trap coyotes, Apple said. He said alcohol may have been a factor in the accident.

The investigation is continuing.

Submitted on 09/01/2013

Submitted by: Bill Brina
Reference: Albany NY Times Union 1 Sept 2013

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Bruce said:
Definitely Keep: Darwin Award
Stringing up piano wire in your back yard then forgetting about it while riding your ATV sounds like a winning combination to me. Thanks, Bill!

James said:
Definitely Keep: Darwin Award
This fool certainly seems to have had it coming to him! Good submission, Bill! Thanks!

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