Imperial Valley News

Buttercup Valley, California - Border Patrol agents rendered assistance to a sand dune enthusiast who suffered an accident in the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreational Area on Sunday.

About 12:15 p.m., Border Patrol agents were flagged down by a friend of the victim near the Buttercup Valley in the Imperial Sand Dunes. The agents arrived on scene and found that a female United States citizen was on the ground and having difficulty breathing after an apparent ATV accident. Upon further evaluation by a Border Patrol Search Trauma and Rescue team agent, it was determined that she had possible neck and spinal injuries.

A “Life Flight” medical helicopter was requested and she was flown to the Palm Desert Hospital in California for more advanced medical care.

This is the second incident in which the Border Patrol has assisted an off-road enthusiast injured due to an ATV accident within the past 15 days. With the fall months approaching, riders are encouraged to use sound safety practices in order to prevent serious injury.