ST. GEORGE — A man was airlifted to the hospital after crashing his paraglider near Blue Springs Reservoir Sunday morning.
Washington County Sheriff’s Deputy Brandon Lacagnina told St. George News the man had taken flight in a powered paraglider near Kolob Terrace Road, gaining approximately 10 feet in elevation when he experienced motor issues.
“(He) didn’t have enough wind to keep the shoot up and afloat and just went straight down,” he said, adding that responders were dispatched shortly before 8 a.m.
The man landed in the brush. Due to the location’s remoteness, Intermountain Life Flight was dispatched to transport him to the hospital. Crews from the Hurricane Valley Fire District Medic 43 and Engine 41 assisted in stabilizing the man and loading him into the helicopter, Battalion Chief Tyler Ames said.
The man reportedly sustained leg and back injuries.
The Hurricane Valley Fire District, Intermountain Life Flight and Washington County Sheriff’s Office respond to a paraglider crash near Blue Springs Reservoir, Utah, May 26, 2024 | Photo courtesy of the Hurricane Valley Fire District, St. George News
“I haven’t gotten any follow-up information on him,” Lacagnina said. “So it doesn’t sound like anything life-threatening was going on at that time. So, we feel pretty good about his recovery.”
While the cause of the crash isn’t clear, Lacagnina said the high elevation could have been a contributing factor. Generally, he said he recommends that those flying paragliders ensure their equipment is properly maintained and “up to snuff.”
“Take into consideration any alterations or changes in calculations you can make when going up or down in elevation when it comes to things like that,” he said. “Because a small motor like that, it’s definitely something you need to take into account.”
Additionally, recreators should ensure they wear the proper safety equipment, Ames said.
“Take all your precautions,” he added.
This report is based on statements from police or other responders and may not contain the full scope of findings.
Photo Gallery
The Hurricane Valley Fire District, Intermountain Life Flight and Washington County Sheriff’s Office respond to a paraglider crash near Blue Springs Reservoir, Utah, May 26, 2024 | Photo courtesy of the Hurricane Valley Fire District, St. George News
The Hurricane Valley Fire District, Intermountain Life Flight and Washington County Sheriff’s Office respond to a paraglider crash near Blue Springs Reservoir, Utah, May 26, 2024 | Photo courtesy of the Hurricane Valley Fire District, St. George News
The Hurricane Valley Fire District, Intermountain Life Flight and Washington County Sheriff’s Office respond to a paraglider crash near Blue Springs Reservoir, Utah, May 26, 2024 | Photo courtesy of the Hurricane Valley Fire District, St. George News
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