MANTI—An ATV accident near the top of Manti Canyon last month claimed the life of the rider, forest service officials have reported.
Forest Ranger Devan Chavez from the Palisade Region reported that Donald J. Nicewander, 61, of Kearns, Utah was operating an ATV on June 23rd, riding on the Manti Trail near the top of the canyon when he apparently rode off the trail and crashed. There were no witnesses to the crash, but the man was found a short time later.
Chavez said there was no indication of speeding or other dangerous behavior prior to the crash. Nicewander was wearing a helmet but nonetheless suffered serious head injuries. Those who located him made efforts to revive him and called emergency services, including Life Flight, but medical personnel who arrived on the scene a short time later pronounced the man dead before the helicopter could arrive.
Subsequent investigation turned up no reason for the crash. “He apparently just went off the trail,” Chavez said. Chavez urged all people operating ATVs to do so safely and not to drive beyond their abilities.
