5 injured near Moab in past week

MOAB — Grand County sheriff's officials have been busy investigating five accidents in a week — some in the same location.

The Hells Revenge Trail, an area that was described by officials as a "steep section of slick rock," was the site of rollover accidents Wednesday and Thursday, said Grand County Sheriff's Chief Deputy Curt Brewer.

Ricky Butler, 58, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, was near a section called "the black hole" when his ATV rolled backward about 2:45 p.m. Wednesday, throwing him from the vehicle.

The ATV then rolled over the man, injuring his face and mouth. He was treated at the scene by paramedics before being transported by helicopter to St. Mary's Hospital in Grand Junction, Colo.

The next day about the same time, Taylor Clegg, 27, of Highland, was attempting the same section of the trail when her ATV also flipped backward, landing on top of her, officials said.

Clegg was wearing a helmet at the time and had no obvious, significant injuries, but was complaining of back pains. She was also transported to St. Mary's Hospital by helicopter.

Brewer said a few days earlier in the same area, a 24-year-old woman suffered lacerations to her eye and face as well as back and arm injuries after her ATV rolled backward.

All three accidents occurred between 2:30 and 3:30 p.m., when there is sunlight on the ridge, inhibiting the riders' ability to see, Brewer said. The steep, slick terrain combined with the sun may have contributed to the frequency of the accidents.

There are also more recreationists in the area due to the Thanksgiving holiday, as the weather is still nice, he said. The Mineral Bottom area is another popular site for visitors, especially base jumpers.

Richard Webb, 37, of Moab, was injured Friday while paragliding near Mineral Bottom. Deputies believe the man broke his back, arm and leg, in addition to suffering internal injuries, after he crashed his paraglider into a hillside. He was flown to St. Mary's Hospital.

Another accident involving a base jumper whose parachute malfunctioned also occurred in the Mineral Bottom area. William Sullivan, 34, of Denver, broke his ankles after his parachute failed while attempting a 100- to 150-foot jump. He was transported by helicopter to Allen Memorial Hospital in Moab.

e-mail: emorgan@desnews.com