Petaluma man dies in off-road vehicle crash

A 21-year-old Petaluma man died Saturday evening after crashing an off-road vehicle in rural west Petaluma, the CHP said.|

A 21-year-old Petaluma man died Saturday evening after crashing an off-road vehicle in rural west Petaluma, the CHP said.

The crash in the backyard of a Chapman Lane property was reported at 9:05 p.m., CHP Officer Jon Sloat said in a press release.

Garrett Hughes, 21, was driving a 2017 Yamaha Rhino in a grassy field, spinning the rear wheels of the vehicle as he drove counter-clockwise around a makeshift track, Sloat said. Hughes and his passengers, Todd Summerville, 20, and Jake Holmes, 19, both of Petaluma, did not appear to be wearing seat belts or helmets, Sloat said.

The vehicle rolled over and Hughes, who suffered head trauma, was declared deceased by Petaluma Fire Department officials, Sloat said. Holmes complained of pain, but declined to be transported to a nearby hospital.

Speed and potential intoxication were believed to be factors in the crash, Sloat said.

No other information was immediately available.

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