Yavapai County Reports Increase in Fatal Off-Road Accidents
Yavapai County, Arizona — The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) is highlighting a troubling rise in fatal off-road accidents, with three deaths recorded in just under two weeks.
“This serves as a serious reminder that driving under the influence, whether on the road or off, is not only illegal but also extremely dangerous. Remember, wearing your seatbelt can save lives,” YCSO stated in a recent news update.
Cherry Creek Incident Near Camp Verde
The first fatality occurred on August 15 along Cherry Creek Road, close to Camp Verde. Authorities reported that a truck went off a dirt path and plummeted down a 20-foot embankment. Unfortunately, the driver, who was alone in the vehicle, died at the scene. Further details remain unclear, although it is suspected that impairment played a role.
Fatal Rollover in Mayer
A second incident took place in Mayer last Friday. Deputies responded to reports of a UTV that had plunged 50 feet into a ravine off Antelope Creek Road.
Upon arrival, deputies found a passenger trapped beneath the UTV. Despite paramedics rushing to the scene and efforts to revive the unidentified 49-year-old, he was pronounced dead the following morning at a Flagstaff hospital.
The YCSO stated that a 35-year-old man from Surprise was arrested on charges of driving under the influence and giving conflicting statements to law enforcement about who was actually driving during the incident, alongside charges of aggravated assault.
Tragic Rollover in Sedona
The most recent accident happened Monday morning with deputies responding to an off-road rollover near Mount Casner on Sedona’s west side. Initial reports indicated a 25-year-old man had sustained severe head injuries. He was later pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators think he was navigating a right-hand turn downhill in wet conditions when the vehicle rolled over twice into a ditch. The passenger, who wasn’t wearing a seatbelt, was thrown from the UTV.
Increased Patrols in Response
Due to the recent uptick in these incidents, authorities in northern Arizona are ramping up patrols and reiterating the importance of safe driving and not drinking alcohol and driving.
“In light of the reckless driving leading to serious accidents and fatalities on dirt roads, YCSO is enhancing patrols in frequently visited off-road areas. We’re committed to bolstering these enforcement efforts with new patrol UTVs and an expanded presence in the forests,” stated the sheriff’s office. “Despite these increased patrols, the YCSO Vehicle Crimes Unit is actively investigating numerous serious crashes occurring on both paved and unpaved roads this year.”
