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DUCHESNE — Duchesne High School's homecoming queen and her date were seriously injured in an ATV crash hours before Saturday night's dance.
Brooklyn Johnson and Daniel Hanberg, both 17, remained hospitalized Sunday, according to their parents.
"They're both in a lot of pain, but it could have been a lot worse," said Yankton Johnson, Brooklyn's father.
The crash happened at 6 p.m. Saturday on private property about 9 miles north of Duchesne and 2 miles east of state Road 87, according to Utah State Parks ranger Chase Pili.
Hanberg was driving a 4-wheeler with Brooklyn on the back when he hit a small rise in the road, Pili said.
The ATV flew 12 feet through the air before landing on top of Hanberg, Pili said. Brooklyn was thrown about 45 feet, the ranger said. Neither teen was wearing a helmet.
Brooklyn was flown from the scene to Primary Children's Hospital in critical condition. She had been upgraded Sunday to stable condition, her father said. He said his daughter has a broken vertebra, a concussion and "serious road rash" covering her face.
Hanberg, a senior who plays fullback for the four-time state champion Duchesne Eagles, was taken to Uintah Basin Medical Center. Jan Hanberg said her son suffered a dislocated hip, a concussion, a broken nose and multiple cuts to his face.
"Everyone has shown so much concern," she said. "All the support really has been so great."
Pili said no citation will be issued because the crash happened on private property. State Parks rangers are typically called in to investigate ATV crashes in Utah, even if the crash doesn't happen within the boundaries of a state park.
