A Front Range man is dead after his all-terrain vehicle pinned him in the backcountry near Glacier Ridge on Georgia Pass on Sunday, Aug. 31, according to a Summit County Sheriff’s Office press release. 

Other trail users found the man, who was reportedly riding alone, unresponsive underneath his ATV and used a satellite message to report it to Summit County dispatchers. The message said the man had no pulse and was not breathing, and authorities pronounced him at the scene once they located him. 

Summit County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Mike Schilling said the man was not renting the ATV when the crash occurred.

A preliminary investigation found that the man was involved in a crash that caused the ATV to roll on top of him. 

“The exact time of the crash is currently unknown,” the release states. “The man was wearing a helmet and appeared to be properly equipped for his day in the backcountry.”

The identity, cause of death and manner of death will be released at a later time. 

“Satellite messengers are an important tool for backcountry safety. While this incident ended in tragedy, satellite messengers are often the only way to summon help when outside of cell service,” said Summit County Sheriff Jaime FitzSimons. “In this case, passersby used their devices to get help and remained on scene to assist with the investigation. They did everything they could, and their efforts are commendable.”

The Sheriff’s Office and Summit County Rescue Group shared condolences to the family and friends impacted by the loss of life. 

The Red, White & Blue Fire Protection District and Flight for Life Colorado both assisted in the incident. 
For backcountry safety information, visit the Summit County Rescue Group’s website at SCRG.org.