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OHV's (off-highway vehicles) drive on the streets of Lake City, Colorado on June 2, 2021. The increasing popularity of these machines is creating controversy in the small mountain communities of Lake City, Silverton, Marble and Tincup because of noise and crowding. (Dean Krakel, Special to The Colorado Sun)

The driver of an all-terrain vehicle died and three of his passengers were injured Wednesday after crashing along a steep dirt road near Beaver Lake, east of Marble.

Paramedics responded to the crash just after 2:15 p.m. Wednesday on a steep, rocky section of Gunnison County Road 3, known as Daniel’s Hill, according to the Gunnison County Sheriff’s Office. The male driver was pronounced dead at the scene after life-saving measures were unsuccessful.

One passenger with critical injuries was flown to a hospital by helicopter. Two others were taken to a hospital by ambulance, the sheriff’s office said. 

Deputies said excessive speed and a possible mechanical failure could have led to the crash. The driver was not publicly identified.

The crash happened near Lead King Loop, a popular 4-wheel-drive road for hikers, bikers and runners that runs through Marble and past the iconic Crystal Mill. The area has in recent years been inundated by hordes of people who drive up on motorcycles, ATVs and other motorized vehicles. 

a sign in front of a lake with mountains in the background.
Beaver Lake is seen June 11, 2021, in Marble. A man died Wednesday after crashing his ATV just east of the lake on the section of road known as Daniel’s Hill. (Olivia Sun, The Colorado Sun)

Olivia Prentzel covers breaking news and a wide range of other important issues impacting Coloradans for The Colorado Sun, where she has been a staff writer since 2021. At The Sun, she has covered wildfires, criminal justice, the environment,...