Man killed in ATV rollover at West Valley riding area

WEST VALLEY CITY — A man was killed Sunday morning in at ATV accident at a popular riding area along state Route 111.

Frank Wachter, 57, of West Valley City, died from "massive head injuries" about 8:20 a.m. after the four-wheeler he was riding rolled, police said.

Wachter had been riding with a group of people about 6755 South, just off the east shoulder of state Route 111, said West Valley Police Lt. Dale Brophy.

"They had just gotten here, had just started their day or riding," Brophy said. "Unfortunately, it ended tragically."

Few people witnessed the accident, he said, and it was unclear as to what caused the ATV to roll.

Wachter had been wearing a helmet, Brophy said.

"It appeared to take the brunt of the impact, but it wasn't enough to save his life," he said.

There was no indication that drugs or alcohol played a role in the accident, Brophy said.

Wachter was the second Utahn to die in an ATV accident in less than a week. Jackson Hitz, 10, of Eagle Mountain died July 21 after the ATV he was riding on lost power while climbing a steep hill and fell off a 22-foot embankment into a ravine. The accident happened in the Five Mile Pass area, about 15 miles west of Lehi.

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