An Audubon man was seriously injured in an ATV accident on July 4th. The Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office reports the accident occurred at 3:22 a.m. on 270th Street. After investigation it was determined that 22-year-old Aaron Robert Gust of Audubon was driving a 2009 Yamaha Sportsman ATV when he lost control and drove through a ditch and a barb wire fence before striking a tree. When Deputies arrived they spoke with 19-year-old Laxne Borkowski and 21-year-old Westly Borkowski. Westly was standing up, while Laxne was holding Gust’s head and comforting him. The Deputy on scene retrieved a blanket and applied it to Gust’s head to help stop the bleeding from his severe injuries. Gust also had severe knee injuries.

Laxne and Westly Borkowski admitted to drinking and said Gust had taken the ATV out for a ride and went to go check on him when he didn’t come back.  Gust was taken by Panora EMS to Mercy One and flown to Mercy hospital in Des Moines. Laxne then asked if Panora EMS could look at him because he though he may have a concussion. He then admitted to EMS that he was actually a passenger on the back of the ATV with Gust. He remembered leaving the driveway but nothing after that. He did call his brother Westly after the accident and he came to the scene.

The ATV had extensive front end damage and did not have current registration. Charges in the incident are pending.