Kingman, AZ – A tragic accident claimed the life of a 75‑year‑old Kingman man on Oct. 23 when the utility‑terrain vehicle (UTV) he was operating left a narrow, rocky trail in Hualapai Mountain Park and rolled roughly 200 feet down a steep mountainside.
Incident details
Deputies from the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office and Mohave Park rangers responded to reports of a UTV that had gone off the trail on the afternoon of Friday, Oct. 23. According to the sheriff’s office, a group of UTVs was traveling along a narrow, rocky trail that runs from Soap Canyon toward Hualapai Mountain Park when one vehicle departed the trail and entered a ravine.
Because of the rugged terrain, search and rescue crews employed a technical rope system to reach the overturned UTV. The crew descended the steep slope, located the vehicle, and discovered the driver deceased inside.
Identification and investigation
The driver has been identified as John Emory Shuttz, a resident of Kingman. His body was recovered from the ravine and transported to the Mohave County Medical Examiner’s Office, where a determination of cause of death will be made.
Authorities have not released additional details about the circumstances that led the vehicle to leave the trail. No other individuals were reported injured in the incident.
Safety reminder
Hualapai Mountain Park is a popular destination for outdoor recreation, offering a network of trails that vary in difficulty. The park’s steep and rocky sections can present hazards, especially for motorized off‑road vehicles. Residents and visitors are encouraged to exercise caution, stay on designated routes, and be prepared for rapid changes in terrain.
The Mohave County Sheriff’s Office and park rangers continue to monitor the area and will provide updates as the investigation proceeds.
Community response
Local officials expressed condolences to the family of Mr. Shuttz and reminded the community of the importance of safety measures when enjoying the county’s natural resources. The incident underscores the need for vigilance when operating UTVs on challenging trails.
Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office.
Original reporting: azfamily KTVK/KPHO Phoenix (news) — read the source article.
