By Iron County Today Staff, For Iron County Today
PAROWAN, Utah — The Parowan community is mourning the loss of a 12-year-old girl and supporting another young girl who was seriously injured following a tragic side-by-side accident near the Iron County Fairgrounds on Friday evening.
According to the Iron County Sheriff’s Office, emergency personnel responded to reports of a vehicle fire near the Valentine Peak Sports Complex at approximately 6:50 p.m. on June 12. Upon arrival, first responders found a vehicle fully engulfed in flames. Due to the severity of the fire, responders initially believed the vehicle was a truck before determining it was a side-by-side off-highway vehicle.
Investigators reported that two girls, ages 12 and 13, were riding in the vehicle north of the Iron County Fairgrounds when they attempted to navigate an angled turn. Preliminary findings indicate the turn was taken too wide, causing the vehicle to roll over. The side-by-side then caught fire.
The 13-year-old girl was able to escape the burning vehicle and was transported to a hospital before being transferred to a burn unit in Salt Lake City for treatment of serious injuries. The 12-year-old girl became trapped inside the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Although authorities have not officially released the identities of those involved, community members have identified the deceased girl as Dusty Rose Dalley and the injured girl as Bekah Hale.
Local community group Parowan Strong has organized efforts to support both families through donations, prayers, and acts of service.
In a statement, the Iron County Sheriff’s Office called the incident “a heartbreaking tragedy that has impacted the community and will continue to affect those involved.”
Officials said their primary focus remains on supporting the families, completing necessary notifications, and conducting a thorough investigation. No additional information has been released at this time.
The crash remains under investigation by the Iron County Sheriff’s Office.