May 26, 2026 6:50 a.m.    

One man died in an ATV crash in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area on Saturday.

A release from the Coos County Sheriff’s Office said at just after 5:00 p.m. CCSO, Hauser Fire Department, Bay Cities Ambulance and the U.S. Coast Guard responded to the wreck involving two dirt bike riders and a side-by-side.

A deputy arrived on scene and quickly assessed injuries with the medics, and both agreed to request a U.S. Coast Guard Helicopter from Air Station North Bend ton conduct an airlift of a 35-year-old man who was in need of trauma care and needed to be expediated to the hospital. The U.S. Coast Guard did host the male and transport him to Bay Area Hospital by aircraft. Despite the efforts of everyone involved, the 35-year-old dirt bike rider succumbed to his injuries.

The other dirt bike rider was a 13-year-old male who sustained multiple broken bones throughout his body. He was transported to Bay Area Hospital but due to his injuries, he was transported to a facility in Portland for pediatric medical care.

Both riders were wearing proper riding gear, helmets and flags. The side-by-side also had the required safety equipment and a flag.

The release said a deputy conducted the investigation and spoke to multiple witnesses at the crash scene. The side-by-side was traveling south near Railroad Hill and the two dirt bike riders were traveling north. The side-by-side operator saw the dirt bike riders and came to a complete stop before the crash. The dirt bike riders apparently did not see side-by-side and jumped the dune. One rider landed on top of the side-by-side and the other rider attempted to brake but was unable to stop and went head-on with the stationary side-by-side. Speed and jumping without a spotter were contributing factors to the crash.

CCSO reminds all riders of quads, dirt bikes and side-by-sides that jumping without a spotter is a violation and unsafe. CCSO sent its condolences to all parties involved in the accident.