For Immediate Release

On Saturday, August 8, at approximately 5:09 AM, Mohave County Sheriff’s deputies responded north of the intersection of Kingsley St. and Dike Rd. in Mohave Valley following a collision involving an all-terrain vehicle (ATV).

Upon arrival, deputies observed the ATV on its side and made contact with a male and female passenger. Both passengers alerted deputies that a third male subject was pinned underneath the ATV and possibly deceased. Deputies located the subject and confirmed that he had succumbed to injuries sustained in the collision. The deceased has been identified as Richard Anthony Cruz, 39, of Mohave Valley.

The MCSO Crash Team responded to the scene and assumed the investigation. Investigators were informed that the occupants of the ATV had been consuming alcohol earlier in the evening before embarking on a night-ride. According to one of the passengers, Cruz was driving when he accelerated and lost control of the ATV, causing it to flip and eject both male subjects. The male passenger was transported to a local hospital with injuries related to the collision.

Preliminary findings indicate that alcohol consumption, excessive speed, and the lack of restraints were factors in this incident. The investigation is ongoing.

For additional updates and inquiries, please refer to the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office.