Coast Guard helicopter airlifts injured rider after ATV crash in Oregon Dunes

OREGON DUNES NATIONAL RECREATION AREA, OR — A crash involving two dirt bike riders and a side-by-side in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area turned deadly Sunday evening, prompting an airlift response from the U.S. Coast Guard.

On May 24, 2026, at 5:01 p.m., the Coos County Sheriff’s Office, Hauser Fire Department, Bay Cities Ambulance and the U.S. Coast Guard responded to an ATV crash near Railroad Hill in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area.

A deputy arrived at the scene and assessed injuries with medics. They requested a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter from Air Station North Bend to airlift a 35-year-old man who needed trauma care and needed to be expedited to the hospital. The Coast Guard hoisted the man and flew him to Bay Area Hospital, but he later died from his injuries.

The other dirt bike rider, a 13-year-old boy, suffered multiple broken bones throughout his body. Hauser Fire and Bay Cities Ambulance took him to Bay Area Hospital. Because of the severity of his injuries, Bay Cities Ambulance later transported him from Bay Area Hospital to Portland for pediatric medical care.

Investigators said both dirt bike riders were wearing proper riding gear, including helmets and flags. The side-by-side also had the required safety equipment and a flag.

The deputy’s investigation included interviews with multiple witnesses. Investigators said the side-by-side was traveling south near Railroad Hill while the two dirt bike riders were traveling north. The side-by-side operator saw the dirt bike riders and came to a complete stop before the crash, but the dirt bike riders did not see the side-by-side and jumped the dune. Investigators said one rider landed on top of the side-by-side, while the other attempted to brake but was unable to stop and struck the stationary side-by-side head-on.

Speed and jumping without a spotter were contributing factors, investigators said.

The Sheriff’s Office reminded riders of quads, dirt bikes and side-by-sides that jumping without a spotter is a violation and unsafe, and urged riders to always have a spotter and a clear landing area when jumping. The Sheriff’s Office also sent condolences to those involved.