Left - Victim’s SUV approached area in foreground where tires lost footing. Right - Hillside where SUV fell before striking ground. SUV was traveling the trail at top edge of photo.
Investigators are releasing additional details and photos from the accident occurring near Crown King on November 25th in which 4 persons died. Investigators have confirmed there were no eyewitnesses to the accident. Initially, a passerby saw the vehicle in the creek bed and notified church members driving in the area and they reported the accident to YCSO. Based on a review of the scene, it appears the SUV may have slipped on some mine tailings along the narrow trail they were driving. The trail went directly through these mine tailings which consist of loose stone not embedded in the hillside. Additionally, the terrain in the area is very steep along many of the pathways. It appears the SUV lost footing along a specific section of trail (pictured) where the level grade had been comprised causing lack of a defined trial edge. This, along with the mine tailings covering the trail surface, was a contributing factor in the cause of this accident.
Investigators have determined, based on interviews with other church members in the area, the victims may have mistaken the trail for a road. Any attempt to back out on the trail or complete a turning maneuver, likely placed the SUV in a precarious position along this portion of the trail.
The scene was secured overnight by members of the Yavapai County Jeep Posse. YCSO Forest Patrol personnel and members of the Yavapai County Sheriff's Response Team, 4x4 Unit, assisted with the removal of victim's bodies. The removal took the remainder of the Thanksgiving day due to the terrain.
YCSO is grateful for the assistance of church and family members who remained on scene throughout the recovery operation and provided comfort to each other during this difficult time.
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