Monday, February 21, 2022 (Clarkdale, AZ) – Clarkdale Police Department responded to a single-vehicle UTV (side-by-side) rollover accident on Forest Service Road 493 in the Blowout Wash recreation area on Saturday, Feb. 19, at 1:40 p.m. A 15-year-old youth from Payson was pronounced dead at the scene. The other 15-year-old occupant, also of Payson, was transported by ambulance to Verde Valley Medical Center for non-life-threatening injuries.
The accident is under investigation to determine what factors may have contributed. Drugs or alcohol are not suspected. The driver and passenger were not wearing helmets at the time of the accident.
As the victims were minors, Clarkdale Police Department is not releasing their names.
Verde Valley Fire, Verde Valley Ambulance, and Jerome Police personnel also responded.
Contact Sergeant Joe Candelaria with questions or for additional information Joe.candelaria@clarkdale.az.gov
