OHIO COUNTY, W.Va. -- An Ohio County Sheriff’s Deputy was killed after crashing his ATV Saturday evening.

Deputy Ron Meyer, 48, was off-duty while riding his ATV near his Triadelphia home.

It's still unclear what caused him to crash. Meyer was rushed to Wheeling Hospital after the crash, but it was just too late.

Members of the Ohio County Sheriff's department said they were devastated after hearing one of their own was killed in an ATV crash.

It happened just feet away from Meyer’s home on Union Hill Road. Neighbors said Meyer was towing equipment with his ATV, but somehow lost control and crashed.

"He lives a mile down the road from my farm where the rest of my family lives. When my dad told me it happened, I couldn't believe that it happened," said neighbor Ryan Behrens.

Neighbors said they were having a hard time believing Meyer had an accident on his ATV because they said he was always very careful and rode safely.

"The matter is under investigation. No conclusions have been made and the matter will continue to be investigated," said Corporal J.A. Laing of the West Virginia State Police.

Police had the tough task of notifying Meyer's wife about the accident. Meyer's son is overseas fighting in Iraq. NEWS9 was told the Red Cross will contact him.

Members of the sheriff’s department said Meyer was an excellent deputy. He even had plans to run for Sheriff in the near future. Neighbors said he was always willing to help.

"He was a nice guy. I never had a problem with him, he always helped me out. And I would always see him in school because he was a police officer at my school," said Behrens.

Meyer worked as school resource officer at Wheeling Park High School. Park's senior class is set to graduate Sunday and Meyer was planning to be there.

West Virginia State Police are still investigating what caused Meyer to lose control.