MOAB, Utah, April 20, 2021 (Gephardt Daily) — Officials have identified two men who died in a rollover on the Moab Rim Jeep Trail on Saturday afternoon.
The victims are Brian Peters, 56, of Peoria, Ariz., and Jason Chapman, 47, of Phoenix, Ariz., said a statement from Moab City Police Department on Tuesday afternoon.
Grand County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the accident site at 1:35 p.m. Saturday, said a previous statement from MCPD.
“Upon arriving on scene, emergency personnel located two subjects who had been involved in the vehicle crash,” the statement said. “Both were pronounced deceased on scene.”
Peters was the driver of the vehicle and Chapman was the passenger.
“The cause of the accident is still under investigation at this time,” the statement said. “Preliminary information from witnesses of the crash cite a possible mechanical issue that led up to the accident.”
The statement released Tuesday afternoon said: “As is routine in crashes resulting in a fatality the Utah Highway Patrol conducted an inspection of the involved vehicle. At this time, and based on witness statements, the cause of the crash is believed to be a mechanical failure. However, the investigation remains active.
“Investigators have reviewed multiple statements from witnesses that provide additional clarity to the events leading up to the crash. Witnesses stated that the two occupants completed an obstacle known as ‘Devil’s Crack,’ and exited the vehicle to assist others with clearing the obstacle. The two victims then re-entered the vehicle. Witnesses described hearing a loud pop, and then observed the vehicle rolling backwards towards the obstacle and cliff edge. The vehicle rolled several times, tumbling over the cliff edge, coming to rest below.”
The statement added: “We again express our deepest condolences to the families of the victims of this terrible tragedy.”
