The Sheriff’s Office reports there have been 3 fatal crashes in Yavapai County in the last 10 days, involving vehicles on dirt roads.
The first occurred on August 15, on Cherry Creek Road near Camp Verde. Deputies found a truck that rolled down a 20-foot embankment after veering off the dirt road. The only occupant of the truck was declared deceased at the scene.
The second crash on August 22 took place off Antelope Creek Road in Mayer. At around 10:30 p.m., deputies responded to a report of an accident after a UTV rolled 50 feet down a ravine. One passenger was discovered pinned under the vehicle. Deputies performed life-saving measures until medical personnel arrived. The passenger was airlifted to Flagstaff Hospital, but passed away from his injuries. Deputies ultimately arrested the suspected driver, a 35-year-old man from Surprise, for DUI.
The third accident occurred Monday. Deputies responded to a reported UTV rollover near Casner Mountain in West Sedona. The vehicle contained one driver and three passengers, one of whom was pronounced dead on scene. After attempting to make a dangerous turn during a rainstorm, the UTV rolled twice, ejecting the 25-year-old passenger who was not wearing a seatbelt.
YCSO officials say while impairment is not believed to be a factor in the most recent accident, the other crashes did indicate the drivers were under the influence. The Sheriff’s Office announced it has increased patrols in popular off-roading areas.