05/26/2026
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all involved in this accident.. ✨️💔✨️
***Press Release***
Case #: S2026-00793
ODNRA, Ore, - On May 24th, 2026, at 5:01 p.m., the Coos County Sheriff’s Office, Hauser Fire Department, Bay Cities Ambulance, and the U.S. Coast Guard responded to an ATV crash involving two dirt bike riders and a side-by-side. The crash occurred near Railroad Hill in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area(ODNRA).
The Deputy arrived on-scene and quickly assessed injuries with the medics, and both agreed to request a U.S. Coast Guard Helicopter from Air Station North Bend to conduct an airlift of a 35-year-old male who was in need of trauma care and needed to be expeditated to the hospital. The U.S. Coast Guard did hoist the male and transport him to Bay Area Hospital by aircraft. Sadly, with all efforts by everyone involved, the 35-year-old male dirt bike rider succumbed to his injuries.
The other dirt bike rider was a 13-year-old male who sustained multiple broken bones throughout his body. The Hauser Fire Department and Bay Cities Ambulance transported the 13-year-old male to Bay Area Hospital. Due to his injuries, Bay Cities Ambulance transported the child from Bay Area Hospital to Portland for pediatric medical care. Both dirt bike riders were wearing the proper riding gear, helmets, and flags. The side by side also had the required safety equipment and a flag.
The Deputy conducted an investigation and spoke to multiple witnesses at the crash. The side by side was traveling south near Railroad Hill, and the two dirt bike riders were traveling north. The side-by-side operator saw the dirt bike riders and came to a complete stop before the crash. The dirt bike riders did not see the side-by-side and jumped the dune. One rider landed on top of the side-by-side, and the other rider attempted to brake but was unable to stop and went head-on with the stationary side-by-side. Speed and jumping without a spotter were contributing factors in this unfortunate crash.
The Sheriff’s Office wants to remind ALL riders of quads, dirt bikes, and side-by-sides that jumping without a spotter is a violation and unsafe. Always have a spotter and a clear landing area when jumping.
During this difficult time, the Sheriff’s Office sends its condolences to all parties involved.
“Police action is not indicative of guilt. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.”
