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KANAB — A Washington County man was killed in an all-terrain vehicle crash near Kanab on Friday, according to the Kane County Sheriff's Office.
Deputies identified the man as David Matthews, 56, of Washington, in a statement posted to Facebook late Sunday. Emergency responders received a call about an ATV accident on Trail No. 4 of the Hog Canyon Trail System north of Kanab around 2:07 p.m. Friday.
Matthews had been riding ATVs with his father. Members of another passing group riding ATVs performed CPR, but Matthews died of his injuries at the scene, according to the statement. Deputies said the crash occurred in a remote location and it took time for emergency personnel to arrive.
Officials are still looking into the crash, but after a preliminary investigation, it is believed to have happened because of the trail, which "has long been recognized as one of the more challenging routes in our county," according to deputies, who said several other severe accidents have occurred there.
"Sheriff (Tracy) Glover expresses his deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the deceased," the statement reads. "Losing a loved one is never easy, and our thoughts are with them during this difficult time. We understand the pain and grief they are experiencing, and we assure them of our continued support."
The sheriff's office also released the following safety guidelines for other ATV riders in the area:
- Familiarize yourself with the difficulty level and potential hazards of the trail before embarking on your ride.
- Wear appropriate safety gear, including helmets, goggles and protective clothing.
- Always ride within your skill level and exercise caution at all times.
- Avoid riding alone whenever possible and inform someone of your intended route and estimated return time.
- Maintain your ATV in optimal condition and perform regular safety checks before each ride.
