3 Fatal Crashes on County Dirt Roads

Published on August 26, 2025

RIDER DIES AFTER UTV CRASH IN SEDONA

On Monday morning, August 25th, Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) deputies responded to a report of a UTV rollover accident near Casner Mountain in West Sedona. While en route, deputies were informed that a 25-year-old male passenger had serious head injuries. Tragically, after arriving, he was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver and two other passengers sustained minor injuries.

The initial investigation shows impairment is not believed to be a factor; the driver was trying to negotiate a downhill right-hand curve during a rainstorm, and the UTV rolled twice into the ditch, ejecting the passenger, who was not wearing a seat belt. Other factors related to this crash are under investigation.

FATAL UTV ROLLOVER LEADS TO DUI ARREST

On Friday, August 22, around 10:30 PM, YCSO deputies responded to a report of a UTV that had rolled 50 feet down a ravine off Antelope Creek Road.

First responders discovered a passenger pinned under the overturned vehicle. Deputies performed life-saving measures until medical personnel arrived.

During the initial investigation, deputies were informed of two different stories as to who was the driver of the UTV. Deputies then learned who the suspected driver was and discovered evidence that he was intoxicated. The 35-year-old male driver from Surprise was subsequently arrested for DUI, False Reporting to Law Enforcement, and Aggravated Assault.

Tragically, the Sheriff's Office was informed, after the 49-year-old passenger was air-lifted to a Flagstaff hospital, that he succumbed to the injuries the next morning.

IMPAIRMENT SUSPECTED IN FATAL CHERRY CREEK ROAD CRASH

On Friday evening, August 15, YCSO deputies responded to a single-vehicle crash on Cherry Creek Road near Camp Verde.

Deputies found that a truck had veered off the dirt road on a hairpin curve and rolled down a 20-foot embankment. Unfortunately, the driver, and only occupant of the truck, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The initial investigation indicates impairment was a factor in the crash.

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YCSO Statement on Off-Road Enforcement

This is a somber reminder that driving under the influence is illegal and deadly, and that wearing a seatbelt saves lives—whether you are on a paved road or an off-road trail.

In response to reckless driving, serious injuries, and deaths on dirt roads, YCSO has boosted patrols in popular off-roading areas. We will continue these enhanced enforcement efforts using new patrol UTVs and an expanded Forest Patrol Unit.

Although patrols have increased, the YCSO Vehicular Crimes Unit continues to investigate a high number of accidents resulting in serious injuries or fatalities on paved and dirt roads in 2025. A recent grant from the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety - AZGOHS is crucial in helping us enhance our traffic collision investigation capabilities to address this challenge.