Mohave County Sheriff’s Office deputies, Search and Rescue teams, and Mohave Park Rangers responded to a serious off‑road accident on Oct. 23 in the Hualapai Mountains. The incident involved a group of utility‑terrain vehicles (UTVs) traveling on a narrow, rocky trail that runs from Soap Canyon toward Hualapai Mountain County Park.

Accident details

At approximately 2 p.m., one of the UTVs left the trail and rolled down a steep ravine, falling an estimated 200 feet. Because of the rugged terrain, rescuers had to set up a technical rope system to reach the vehicle and its driver.

The driver, identified as John Emory Shuttz, a 75‑year‑old resident of Kingman, was located by the rope technicians but was pronounced dead at the scene. His body was later extracted and taken to the command post, then transferred to the Mohave County Medical Examiner’s Office for further investigation.

Response and safety reminder

Mohave County officials emphasized the dangers of off‑road travel on narrow, steep trails, especially for larger vehicles such as UTVs. The technical rope team, trained for high‑angle rescues, was essential in safely reaching the crash site and recovering the victim.

Deputies reminded the public that the Hualapai Mountains offer beautiful scenery but also present hazardous conditions. They urged anyone planning to use off‑road trails to wear appropriate safety gear, travel with a partner, and stay on designated paths. In addition, they recommended checking weather and trail conditions before heading out.

Investigation

The Mohave County Sheriff’s Office will conduct a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. While the exact cause has not yet been released, officials will review factors such as vehicle speed, trail conditions, and possible mechanical issues.

Community members who have information about the incident are encouraged to contact the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office.

Original reporting: News 3 KSNV Las Vegas (local) — read the source article.