VEYO, Utah – A Santa Clara teenager is dead after an ATV rider crashed into the back of his dirt bike causing him to wreck, officials said Monday.
At approximately 5:05 p.m. on Sunday, Austin Mcelyea, 17, was traveling south on Spanish Trail Drive in Veyo, a town 20 miles north of St. George.
According to the Department of Public Safety, Mcelyea stopped near Interstate 15 North as a northbound friend approached on another ATV.
An ATV, driven by Makay Stephens, 27, followed behind Mcelyea. As Stephens approached the dirt bike, official say, he didn’t stop and struck the rear tire of the teen’s bike.
The impact caused the ATV to roll and the dirt bike to catapult, officials say.
Although Mcelyea was wearing a helmet, the impact of the crash resulted in fatal injuries. He died at the scene.
Stephens, of Brookside, sustained minor injuries.
The friend traveling north witnessed the crash and called for help, officials say.
Stephens was arrested for driving under the influence and booked into Washington County Jail.
Washington County Sheriff’s Office requested that Utah Highway Patrol investigate the crash.
