Name Release: California Man Dead Following Incident at Sand Mountain Recreation Area 

SAND HOLLOW STATE PARK — A California man is dead following an incident in the BLM Sand Mountain Recreation Area located just outside Sand Hollow State Park. 

On May 30 at around 7:30 p.m., Utah State Parks rangers responded to the Sand Mountain area after receiving an initial call of a possible cardiac arrest. Upon arrival, they located the body of 36-year-old Erik Alvarez of Artesia, California. 

Alvarez was visiting the area with a group, but had been riding an ATV solo when officials believe the accident occurred. Later on, another member of the group located Alvarez and called for help.

First responders from Utah State Parks, Hurricane City EMS, and Washington County Search and Rescue assisted in the search and attempted to revive Alvarez. Lifeflight was also dispatched and landed in the area to assist. Unfortunately, these efforts were unsuccessful and Alvarez was pronounced dead at the scene. Alvarez is believed to have been wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.

The Utah Division of Parks and Recreation extends our condolences to Alvarez’s friends and family. This incident remains under investigation at this time.