Utah County, UT – A paragliding accident in a remote area near Mount Timpanogos turned fatal Saturday evening despite an extensive rescue effort involving multiple helicopters and emergency crews.
According to the Utah County Sheriff’s Office, an adult male contacted Central Dispatch around 6 p.m. Saturday, June 21, reporting that he had crashed while paragliding. The man told dispatchers he was located in a narrow ravine on the north side of Provo Canyon near Mount Timpanogos and was seriously injured.
Authorities said the crash site was located in steep, rugged terrain high in the mountains, creating significant challenges for rescuers attempting to reach the victim.
According to the sheriff’s office, two helicopters were used to search for the injured paraglider while a third helicopter was staged to transport him once he was located. After crews found the man, rescuers were flown as close to the site as possible before beginning what officials described as a highly technical rescue operation due to the dangerous terrain.
Despite those efforts, the man later succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash, authorities said.
The Utah County Sheriff’s Office said investigators responded to the scene along with personnel from the Utah Medical Examiner’s Office. Officials are now working to determine the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident.
Authorities have not released the identity of the victim as they continue efforts to notify next of kin.
Mount Timpanogos and the surrounding Provo Canyon area are popular destinations for outdoor recreation, including hiking, climbing, and aerial sports. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional information is expected to be released as it becomes available.
