Reports/rumors: Serious accident at 2019 Easter Jeep Safari

[IronScott]

I think more than a few of us want to know how this happened not so much out of idle curiosity than it is to know what went wrong. Many of us take our Jeeps to places that can be unpredictable and we could end up being stuck, high centered, or whatever. Was it just a freak accident that couldn't be foreseen? For some reason this strikes a deep emotional chord with me (and I suspect lots of others) and I really wish the best for all involved. Probably why there is so much speculation given the absence of facts. The story will be told eventually but conjecture doesn't really get us anywhere.

Very much agree with this. I do want to know what happened out of curiosity but more importantly what went wrong, as you stated. I'm new to Jeep offroading and things like this make me want to stay away from advanced wheeling. I've watched Jeremy's videos where he was actually riding/driving and he seemed very competent to me, so this is very disconcerting.

I've been injured and even hospitalized with accidents in ATV racing and mountain bike riding. This incident is making me re-think how fast I want to get into Jeep offroading.

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[WXman]

So, no updates on the woman who was hit?

 

[mrhumble1]

Very much agree with this. I do want to know what happened out of curiosity but more importantly what went wrong, as you stated. I'm new to Jeep offroading and things like this make me want to stay away from advanced wheeling. I've watched Jeremy's videos where he was actually riding/driving and he seemed very competent to me, so this is very disconcerting.

I've been injured and even hospitalized with accidents in ATV racing and mountain bike riding. This incident is making me re-think how fast I want to get into Jeep offroading.

Exactly. As I understand it, wheeling is supposed to be a slow and steady affair. Something definitely seems off here.

Knowing what happened here won't only satisfy our curiosity, but will help others avoid the same outcome.

Considering it's a popular trail, does anyone here have experience with that particular obstacle and could maybe shed some light on it??

 

[Cypher]

I think more than a few of us want to know how this happened not so much out of idle curiosity than it is to know what went wrong. Many of us take our Jeeps to places that can be unpredictable and we could end up being stuck, high centered, or whatever. Was it just a freak accident that couldn't be foreseen? For some reason this strikes a deep emotional chord with me (and I suspect lots of others) and I really wish the best for all involved. Probably why there is so much speculation given the absence of facts. The story will be told eventually but conjecture doesn't really get us anywhere.

As someone who's life has been changed forever due to an accident because of a negligent driver I feel for the woman who was hit, however we don't know all the facts here and who was or was not at fault. I also would like to know more around what happened and how it went wrong so That I can do my best to prevent the same situation. I go off-road a lot with my wife and daughter and my wife is my spotter. I would not be able to live with myself if I ever Injured someone due to negligence, and it would still be hard if it was a true accident. I hope to use this information once its known to ensure I am never in this situation.

I feel bad for both the driver and the poor spectator no matter how it happened, and wish them both the best of luck.

 

[D60]

Yeah.....the pic only raises more questions.

Really without video we're all gonna be left scratching our heads.

I'm just a few hours from Moab and have done tons of 'wheeling out there. I've done plenty of "bumping it" (Moab is very ledgy) but can't recall any scenario I ever used enough skinny pedal to go that distance....on slickrock....

 

[bumpit]

Some of the scariest people I've guided are people driving a manual offroad without enough experience on something challenging to them. They lunge them trying to take it slow and feather the clutch. These are always on beginner trails but it's still scary to be close to them at times.

I'm not sure if he had a manual or not but that would explain a lot to me.

 

[Sean K.]

Exactly. A I understand it, wheeling is supposed to be a slow and steady affair. Something definitely seems off here.

Knowing what happened here won't only satisfy our curiosity, but will help others avoid the same outcome.

Considering it's a popular trail, does anyone here have experience with that particular obstacle and could maybe shed some light on it??

I've done it. It's not difficult. No idea how this happened and from what little I'm getting of the pics....I can't tell where the woman was hit to where he ended up in the crack.

 

[RubenZ]

Wondering if Jeremy had the Peddle Commander and it went POOP.

 

[offcamber]

Exactly. A I understand it, wheeling is supposed to be a slow and steady affair. Something definitely seems off here.

Knowing what happened here won't only satisfy our curiosity, but will help others avoid the same outcome.

Considering it's a popular trail, does anyone here have experience with that particular obstacle and could maybe shed some light on it??

It's slow and steady but there are times where it requires the right amount of inertia to clear an obstacle. You also have gravity coming into play so the vehicle might take an odd bounce, espeicially if you have having to bump it to clear an obstacle with some inertia and hit a rock or other obstacle that can then shift your direction. That unexpected motion might cause you to miss the brake pedal and hit the gas, etc. Things can go wrong and when you have people standing in the wrong place at the right time, it can go downhill fast. I've seen it. You also have the fact that if someone is climbing something at an extreme angle he might not be able to see someone standing 6 feet away off his corner. Not a big deal until the vehicle changes direction suddenly and he's on top of them. Again, I've seen a lot of close calls that had things gone the way they were supposed to no one would have thought twice about it. Things can just go wrong quickly without anyone obviously being to blame.

 

[GreyFox]

Wondering if Jeremy had the Peddle Commander and it went POOP.

Almost makes you wonder about those aftermarket programmers like the Tazer, huh?

 

[idiotwithjk]

Quoting from the FB group i am in where there was a guy who was behind him on the trail. This picture shows the perspective from a wider POV.

"red line is right after where he floored it. Blue is where she was hit"

Can you friend or anyone else tell us exactly where this happened? I tried to find it on Google Maps but am not entirely familiar with the area.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/M...2b17af1d5c42d!8m2!3d38.5733155!4d-109.5498395

Also, the woman who was injured posted the following on Facebook:

I want to thank everyone that helped on Sunday. You all are my heroes and without you, I wouldn't be here. I don't remember much after the jeep came off the rock and turned towards us. So very thankful noone else was hurt. 2 surgeries down, not sure how many more but I'm blessed to still be here... I was flown to St Mary's in Grand Junction. Thanks to Dr Gumman for piecing me together Sunday night...you were so comforting when I needed it the most.

 

[GreyFox]

Can you friend or anyone else tell us exactly where this happened? I tried to find it on Google Maps but am not entirely familiar with the area.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/M...2b17af1d5c42d!8m2!3d38.5733155!4d-109.5498395

Also, the woman who was injured posted the following on Facebook:

Thanks for the update on her

 

[TennesseePA]

I am certain that there has to be some video footage of the incident somewhere. Are we to believe that a YouTuber who has documented every second of this trip since he left home didn't have an associate holding a camera when this happened. I would assume that the proper officials are in possession of any and all video that exists. I am fine if I never see the video if it exists. It is my job so I see people all the time after their accident but I still do not have the stomach to actually see the accident. Glad to hear that the lady involved is feeling up to posting on Facebook.

 

[UNC Rubicon]

Wow. This really sucks for all parties involved. The mental and physical healing that will take place over the next days/weeks/months is paramount to any finger pointing or passing of judgement.

What is the general consensus of the JLWF community regarding setting up a GoFundMe account for both @American Jeeper and the lady that was injured? Reducing the financial burden of this incident would allow both parties to focus on healing, rather than paying medical bills, etc. Maybe @JAY could set it up and members donate.

If we could get some of the site sponsors involved with raffles for donations over X amount, that would be a great way to raise money.

Thoughts? Ideas?

 

[idiotwithjk]

It is more than likely the guy had a GoPro running and has it all on film... Authorities are probably in possession of it, but someone has to have another view you would imagine.

I would also add, Jeremy @American Jeeper is viewing this thread and I’m sure is keeping a close watch on it. So, I’m sure he is fine enough after the incident. Details would still be great.

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