By Debby Schamber

The News staff writer

BRIDGE CITY — A Bridge City man was found dead about 1:45 a.m. Thursday after the ATV he was riding apparently rolled over.

According to Department of Public Safety reports, Billy Riley, 39, attempted to make a sharp left turn on Bailey Road when the ATV he was riding flipped.

Trooper Shane Moses said it is believed Riley was traveling at an unsafe speed when he lost control.

Riley, who works as a local contractor, was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.

Riley’s live-in girlfriend said it was not uncommon for him to go out riding late at night. The woman reported to officials Riley arrived at his house on Lake Street around midnight and decided to go for a ride.

When he didn’t return, she went out to look for him. Riley was reportedly found face down in a puddle of water with the flipped ATV nearby.

Precinct 1 Judge Joe Parkhurst pronounced Riley dead at the scene. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the cause of death.

Reach this reporter at 409-883-3571, Ext. 2613, or dschamber@orangeleader.com