Imperial County, CA (February 12, 2026) – One man was killed and another injured Monday morning in an off-road crash at the Imperial Sand Dunes, south of Interstate 8 and south of Grays Well Rd. According to the California Highway Patrol, the collision occurred before 11 a.m. on February 9 when two men were riding in a 2017 Polaris RZR Turbo Pro Star.
Key Details
- Location: Imperial Sand Dunes south of I-8 and south of Grays Well Rd, Imperial County
- Reported: Monday, February 9 before 11 a.m.
- Type: Off-road UTV rollover crash
- Vehicle: 2017 Polaris RZR Turbo Pro Star
- Fatality: 81-year-old passenger from Casa Grande, Arizona
- Injuries: 49-year-old driver from Ephrata, Washington suffered head lacerations
What We Know So Far
- The UTV traveled over a sand hill and struck the bottom of a bowl, causing it to overturn onto its roof.
- The 49-year-old driver was able to exit the vehicle on his own.
- The 81-year-old passenger had to be removed from the overturned vehicle.
- Despite life-saving efforts by U.S. Border Patrol agents and Imperial County Fire Department personnel, the passenger was pronounced dead at the scene.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- Whether speed or terrain conditions contributed to the crash.
- If additional safety equipment beyond seatbelts was in use.
- The exact sequence of events leading up to the rollover.
- Any further findings from the ongoing CHP investigation.
Local Context
The Imperial Sand Dunes recreation area is a popular destination for off-road enthusiasts, drawing visitors from across California and neighboring states. The terrain includes steep sand hills and bowls that can obscure visibility and create sudden elevation changes. Even experienced riders can encounter unpredictable conditions when cresting dunes, particularly if the drop-off on the other side is not visible. When serious crashes occur in remote dune areas, emergency access can be challenging, requiring coordination between CHP, fire crews, and federal agencies to reach and treat injured riders before transporting them for further care.
What to Do Next
- When riding off-road vehicles, reduce speed before cresting hills and approach blind dunes with caution.
- Always wear seatbelts and recommended protective gear while operating or riding in a UTV.
- If involved in an off-road crash, note your location as precisely as possible to assist responding crews.
- Seek medical evaluation after any rollover crash, even if injuries appear minor at first.
FAQ
Q: Why are dune riding areas especially risky?
A: Sand dunes can hide sharp drop-offs and other riders, limiting visibility and increasing the risk of rollovers or collisions.
Q: Can seatbelts prevent serious injuries in UTV crashes?
A: Seatbelts help keep occupants inside the protective frame of the vehicle, which can reduce the severity of injuries during a rollover.
Q: What does it mean when a crash remains under investigation?
A: It means authorities are reviewing evidence and scene details to determine contributing factors before making final conclusions.
