PAROWAN, Utah, June 13, 2026 (Gephardt Daily) — A 12-year-old girl died Friday evening when she was trapped in a burning side-by-side, but a second girl, 13, was able to escape.
The incident happened at about 6:49 p.m. at the Iron County Fairgrounds, in Parowan, near the Valentine Peak Sports Complex.
First responders were dispatched to the scene, an Iron County Sheriff news release says.
“Upon arrival, first responders located a vehicle fully engulfed in flames. Due to the extent of the fire, the vehicle was initially believed to be a truck; however, it was later determined to be a side-by-side.”
A preliminary investigation found that the girls “were operating the side-by-side together near an area where the roadway makes an angled turn. Investigators believe the vehicle turned too wide, causing the wheels to catch and the side-by-side to roll over.
“During the rollover, the vehicle caught fire. One of the juvenile females was able to escape the vehicle and sustained injuries. The second juvenile female became trapped inside the vehicle and was pronounced deceased at the scene.”
The Iron County Sheriff is leading an ongoing investigation.
“This incident is a heartbreaking tragedy that has impacted the community and will continue to affect those involved. At this time, the primary focus remains on supporting the individuals and families affected, completing the necessary notifications, and conducting a thorough investigation. Out of respect for the family and those involved, no additional information will be released at this time.”
The Iron County Sheriff thanked assisting agencies including the Parowan Police Department, Gold Cross Ambulance, the Utah Highway Patrol, and fire personnel from Parowan, Paragonah, and Cedar City. A trauma counselor also responded to the scene to provide support and assistance.
A GoFundMe account has been established for the victim, which it identifies as Dusty Rose Dalley. It calls her “an All-American girl. She had a bright smile that could light up any room, a kind heart that touched everyone she met, and a spirit full of life and adventure. She loved dancing, playing baseball, horses and being near her friends and family, Dusty brought joy, laughter, and love wherever she went.”
