Coos County, OR (May 26, 2026) – A 35-year-old man lost his life, and a teen boy was hurt on Saturday evening, May 23, following a collision involving two dirt bikes and a side-by-side near Railroad Hill along the Oregon Dunes near Coos County.
A southbound side-by-side had stopped after spotting two dirt bike riders approaching from the north, according to witness accounts shared with deputies. The riders reportedly did not see the stopped vehicle before jumping the dune. One rider landed on top of the side-by-side, while the second attempted to brake but made head-on contact with it.
The 35-year-old rider suffered critical injuries and was flown by helicopter at the request of the United States Coast Guard Air Station North Bend to Bay Area Hospital. Despite medical efforts, he later lost his life.
The inquiry into what led to the incident remains ongoing, and additional details are expected to become available.
We extend our sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.
Off-Road Riding Safety Factors in Dune Terrain
Off-road riding on dune landscapes can involve shifting sand, limited visibility over crests, and rapid elevation changes. Riders can come upon stopped or slow-moving vehicles with very little warning, especially when approaching hills or blind rises. Group riding can also increase the chance of mixed paths if communication is unclear or sightlines are blocked.
Side-by-side vehicles and dirt bikes share uneven terrain where traction changes quickly, which can affect braking distance and steering control. In many cases, the layout of dunes can hide vehicles on the opposite side of a slope until riders are very close.
Safety guidance focuses on maintaining awareness of surroundings, adjusting speed to terrain conditions, and ensuring clear communication between riders. These factors help explain how similar occurrences can develop in off-road environments.
