A tragic accident in Overgaard over the holiday weekend has led to the death of a 14-year-old boy. On Sept. 5, Navajo County Sheriff’s deputies were called to 2260 E. Woodland Court in Overgaard in response to an accident involving a young boy who had been driving a Utility Task Vehicle (UTV). Upon arrival deputies found Joseph Brinkman of Phoenix unconscious and unresponsive. The investigation revealed that Joseph had been driving a 2006 Yamaha side-by-side UTV and after coming to a stop at the end of a road he turned and accelerated, causing the left two tires to come up off the ground. The boy turned the UTV to the right to keep from rolling, which caused the left rear tire to dig into the asphalt causing the UTV to begin to roll to the left ejecting Joseph from the driver’s seat. The vehicle continued to roll to the left landing directly on Joseph. Since the passenger was restrained, he never left the UTV. Bystanders started CPR on Joseph and were relieved by NCSO deputies. When paramedics arrived they determined that the boy was deceased. Joseph was not wearing a helmet or a seatbelt. This was one of three ATV and UTV accidents that occurred in Navajo County this weekend, the other two causing significant injuries. Sheriff KC Clark reminds all ATV and UTV riders and operators of the necessity of wearing helmets and vehicle restraints while driving.
