Smithfield man dies in ATV accident

A 30 year-old Smithfield man died Tuesday night shortly after an accident involving an all-terrain vehicle. Eric Stucki, spokesman for Utah State Parks and Recreation, identified the victim as Jeremy Hillyard.

He says Hillyard was with two friends northwest of Smithfield at about 1600 West and 6600 North and was apparently making jumps with his Yamaha ATV. He jumped a 20 to 30 foot hill and landed wrong on the other side, a drop of about 30 feet.

Stucki says Hillyard was not wearing a helmet and he suffered from severe head trauma. He was taken to Logan Regional Hospital after the 6 p.m. accident but was declared dead on arrival.

State Parks and Recreation is responsible for investigating these kinds of accidents and Stucki had some words for people using these vehicles. He said, “Always wear a helmet, know your machine and what it can do and also be aware of your surroundings, determining if there are hills in the area.”

Investigation is continuing, according to Stucki who says Smithfield police, North Park police and Cache County Sheriffs deputies all responded to assist with the incident.

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