Yavapai County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the scene of a fatal 3-wheeler ATV wreck Sunday afternoon on Copper Road in Mayer, approximately 3.5 miles north of HWY 69. The victim, George Couch, had been out with family and friends near Copper Road when he took the ATV out for a ride alone.
After approximately 25 minutes of being gone, friends went to look for Mr. Couch, and found him collapsed and not breathing approximately 400 feet from the location of the ATV. The ATV was laid on its side approximately 6-8 feet off the right side of the roadway in a manzanita bush.
Once on scene, YCSO deputies and EMS administered CPR on the 35-year-old Mr. Couch of Humboldt, who had a visible puncture wound on his neck and swelling on the right side of his head. CPR was unsuccessful and Mr. Couch was pronounced deceased at approximately 5:30 pm.
Based on the investigation thus far, it appears that Mr. Couch was traveling northbound when he veered off the right-hand side of the road and impacted the manzanita bush causing extensive bleeding by puncturing his neck. It also appeared that he attempted to walk back to the group’s camp before collapsing and succumbing to his injuries.
“We are truly saddened to have to mourn the death of a second person in as many weeks from an ATV collision” said Sheriff David Rhodes. “We want everyone to enjoy their recreation activities in our beautiful county but urge you to talk precautions for your safety, whether hiking, riding ATVs, kayaking etc. We don’t want to grieve with any more families this summer.”
Mr. Couch is survived by family and three children.