West Mountain, UT (January 20, 2026) – A tragic off-road accident in Utah County has claimed the life of a 14-year-old girl and left five others injured following a Friday evening crash. The incident occurred around 7:00 p.m. on January 16 in the West Mountain area, located west of Payson, according to officials with the Utah Department of Natural Resources.
The off-road vehicle was carrying six occupants, all reportedly from Utah County. Emergency crews responded to the scene, and the 14-year-old female passenger was airlifted to a hospital in Salt Lake County with critical injuries. She was pronounced dead on Sunday, January 18, following continued treatment efforts.
The vehicle was being driven by a 14-year-old boy, who also sustained potentially serious injuries. He was initially taken to a hospital in Utah County before being transferred to a facility in Salt Lake County for advanced care. Two additional female passengers were hospitalized locally for injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening.
The final two passengers, a boy and a girl, were treated at the scene for minor injuries and did not require hospitalization. The Utah Department of Natural Resources is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, including the terrain and vehicle conditions at the time of the incident.
This devastating accident has deeply affected the local community, and our hearts go out to the family and friends of the young girl whose life was lost. We extend our thoughts to all those recovering and impacted by this tragic event.
