This is such a terrible situation. It is so sad that in this time of grieving and sorrow, there are people who have nothing better to say. I pray for the family and friends of Dillan Odom. What happened was a horrible accident. It seems sometimes people who are so ignorant, would(and should) keep there unnecessary opinions to themselves. I know both families affected by this tragedy are in serious need of our prayers, not our inconsiderate criticism. It’s VERY easy to sit and say whose to blame and what should have been done differently. When it’s all said and done, there are two families who have been drastically changed forever. As a parent, I would greatly suggest to try and put yourselves in this situation.

courtneyc ~ We understand your biased opinion but maybe that child wouldn’t have had to be buried if his parents had played a higher role in his activities. This was a preventable accident. No matter how you feel, fact is fact and you need to accept that. Like you said, you’re only 16… there is a whole entire world out here that you don’t even know about, much less understand.
Our prayers are with you too. Don’t judge us because of the way we feel and we won’t judge you.

Rebecca~ My name is Melissa Sprinkle, I live in Loxley, AL, and I’m not ashamed of anything that I said. Yes, this is sad but it was also preventable. Yes, that family is hurting but that don’t change the facts. The boy should not have been on the ATV in the first place. The law was broken and the only way that the parents aren’t somewhat responsible is if they didn’t buy it for him and didn’t know he was on it… otherwise, it was preventable. I do feel for this family but that doesn’t change the facts.

Kx, right now they are grieving but they will spend many hours saying “what if” and “if only”. I’ve been there I know. My prayers to this family, the tears will never end.

“Fact is more than one law was broken and that is direct cause. This tragedy was avoidable. It’s truly sad.”

thanks Rosepetal, && Rebecca I am definatly praying for this family.Many People are praying for ya’ll. There are just some ignorant people on here that just have no heart and wasn’t brought up right.I’m only 16 years old and I have more respect for others than 4 or 5 of these people on this site.Why don’t those of you doing so much research on ATV’s do something worth your while and look up some home training.As well as Rebecca I was at the wake and had to watch Mr.Billy tell Pick(Dillan) to look at all the people coming to see him.It really hurt.This family had to bury a loved one today adn all ya’ll can think about is blaming the parents?GET REAL!Come on now have some respect.I guess what i’m trying to say is GROW UP!R.I.P DILLAN ODOM!!AND GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS!

RebeccaSEdwards:  My heartfelt apologies for the friends and family of this young man.  It is so wrong that this crime is being tried in the court of public opinion.  None of us an sy what we would or would no not do in the same cimtuations, UNLESS WE HAVE BEEN IN THE EXAMT SAME SITUATION.

Coulda, Shoulda, Wouda is not going to help anyone at this point in time.  The old saying hindsight is 20/20 has never beem tried than in this situation.

Please everyone, no matter what your opinion is, take a moment and remember this young man and his wife My thoughts and prayers are will all of uou during thie horriffic time

kx, or pull back on the reins to hard and a horse fall back on you, i know a girl who was killed even the most experienced riders have accidents. mr. reeves accident happened after the jump he fell off the horse. accidents happen.  look at d. wayne lukas son.  wether you are on a atv or horse or ski jet sometimes accidents happen. you can always have a accident. even walking sometimes things just happen, tomorrow is never guaranteed. the little boy was using a atv on private property deer hunting. a helmet against a truck would not have helped.

Rose, Mr.Reeves’ accident was avoidable as well. Almost every equestrian that I know will tell you they know better than to try to jump a horse over something that won’t fall down if you get thrown into it.

Amen to that Rebecca!! I cannot even imagine the pain of losing a child! I have seen friends and relatives mourn and I right along with them but we cant feel what they are feeling and what they will for the rest of their life!! So tragic! and I gaurantee they WOULDNT say these things face to face! Shame on them,,and will also pray for their forgiveness and may compassion enter their heart and souls one day soon..It could happen to anyone so instead of bashing and being hurtful—why not get out into your community and have a POSITIVE voice and help save another life from being taken too soon? you wont save them all,but if only one then that would be great! My cousin may have more information on a ATV awareness/safety group if anyone would like it-shes in MS but hey I would help start one here..If anyone is interested in reading about my friend and cousins fatal wreck I have links to their sited and also the news stories on my MySpace..Its a open page & under Blog section….

Thanks to everyone who is being so sweet…
KxVicious, Sprinkle, I watched Dillans dad beside the casket of his son, ball his eyes out, he didn’t leave his side, his brothers had to hold him. It was the most awful and pitiful thing I have ever seen…You sit on her and talk trash and no one knows who you are or even your name so you are completely free to be as rude and arrogent as you want, I would really like to see you stand in front of Billy and say this to him, I bet you wouldn’t! Don’t sit here and call me crazy! Your an idoit.