Colorado man dead after accident at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
Sep 4, 2023, 7:00 PM
A view of the sand dunes at sunrise in Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, located 35 miles southeast of Zion National Park. The park encompases 3,730 acres, 1,200 which is opened to off-highway vehicles. The area also welcomes hikers and campers. The photo was taken on August 28, 2003. Amanda Lucidon/Deseret News.
KANAB, Utah — A 23-year-old man from Colorado died Saturday in an OHV accident at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park.
According to a news release from the Utah Division of State Parks, Abel Ocampo, from Denver, was camping at the park with his family and friends.
Just after 4 p.m., the release states, the victim was driving a rented side-by-side vehicle in the sand dunes. He then lost control, resulting in a role-over accident.
Bystanders near the incident immediately called for assistance and attempted to dig the victim out.
Emergency crews from the Utah Division of State Parks and Kane County responded to the incident. Emergency personnel attempted life-saving measures on the victim. The release states, however, that Ocampo was pronounced dead at the scene.
A passenger in the vehicle with Ocampo suffered minor injuries. Additionally, a bystander who was assisting in rescuing Ocampo suffered leg injuries and was transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital.
Authorities say the Colorado man was not wearing a helmet or a seat belt at the time of the incident.
The incident remains under investigation.
The Utah Division of State Parks is reminding all outdoor recreators to always put safety first. It says:
- Always recreate with a friend.
- Wear life jackets and helmets.
- Let friends others know where you are going and when you expect to be back.
- Check weather conditions and water temperature before heading out.
- Use alcohol responsibly.
Read more:
- Man injured by ATV at Sand Hollow State Park
- Teenager drowns at Palisade State Park after getting caught in storm, officials say
