SEDONA, AZ – The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) is investigating a series of tragic off-road accidents that have claimed multiple lives in August, underscoring the dangers of off-highway vehicle use and impaired driving.
Fatal UTV Rollover in West Sedona
On Monday morning, August 25, YCSO deputies responded to a UTV rollover near Casner Mountain in West Sedona. While en route, deputies received reports that a 25-year-old male passenger had sustained serious head injuries. Upon arrival, deputies found the man unresponsive and tragically pronounced him deceased at the scene.
The initial investigation reveals that impairment is not believed to be a factor. Investigators determined that the driver was negotiating a downhill right-hand curve during a rainstorm when the UTV rolled twice into a ditch, ejecting the unrestrained passenger. The driver and two other passengers suffered minor injuries. Authorities continue to investigate contributing factors, including weather conditions, terrain, and vehicle handling.
Fatal UTV Crash Leads to DUI Arrest in Mayer
On Friday, August 22, at approximately 10:30 PM, YCSO deputies responded to a report of a UTV that rolled 50 feet down a ravine off Antelope Creek Road near Mayer. When first responders arrived, they found a passenger pinned under the overturned UTV. Deputies performed life-saving measures until medical crews arrived, and the victim was airlifted to a Flagstaff hospital.
During the investigation, deputies encountered conflicting accounts regarding who was driving the UTV at the time of the crash. Further inquiries identified a 35-year-old male from Surprise as the suspected driver. Evidence at the scene indicated he was under the influence of alcohol. The suspect was arrested and charged with DUI, False Reporting to Law Enforcement, and Aggravated Assault.
Sadly, YCSO was later informed that the 49-year-old passenger succumbed to his injuries the following morning.
Impairment Suspected in Fatal Camp Verde Crash
Earlier this month, on Friday evening, August 15, YCSO deputies responded to a single-vehicle crash on Cherry Creek Road near Camp Verde. Upon arrival, deputies discovered a truck that had left the dirt roadway on a hairpin curve and rolled down a 20-foot embankment. The driver, who was the sole occupant, was pronounced dead at the scene. Preliminary findings indicate impairment was a significant factor in the crash.
YCSO Responds with Enhanced Off-Road Enforcement
These incidents highlight the growing concern over fatalities and serious injuries on Yavapai County’s dirt roads and off-road trails. In a statement, YCSO emphasized:
“Driving under the influence is illegal and deadly. Additionally, wearing a seat belt—whether on a highway or a rugged off-road trail—can mean the difference between life and death.”
In response to increasing accidents, YCSO has expanded patrols in high-traffic off-road areas, utilizing new patrol UTVs and an expanded Forest Patrol Unit. These efforts are supported by a grant from the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (AZGOHS), enabling deputies to enhance collision investigation capabilities and deter reckless driving behavior.
YCSO continues to urge all motorists to drive sober, wear seat belts, and exercise caution on Arizona’s rural and off-road routes. Anyone with information regarding these crashes is asked to contact the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office.
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