Jason Mondragon, R.I.P.: Arvada Man Dies After Accidentally Driving ATV Off Cliff

Arvada's Jason Mondragon loved outdoor activities such as exploring the American west aboard an ATV. But this past weekend, the hobby turned tragic. Mondragon was cleared after reportedly driving an ATV off a 65-foot cliff. Here are the very sad details. According to Utah's Grand County Sheriff's Office, the incident...

By Michael Roberts

March 23, 2015

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Arvada's Jason Mondragon loved outdoor activities such as exploring the American west aboard an ATV.

But this past weekend, the hobby turned tragic.

Mondragon was killed after reportedly driving an ATV off a 65-foot cliff.

Here are the very sad details.

According to Utah's Grand County Sheriff's Office, the incident took place at White Wash Sand Dunes, an extremely scenic area favored by ATV riders and motorcyclists.

The following video offers a look around.

Deputies with the GCSO were notified that a man was missing at approximately 10:57 p.m. on Saturday, March 21.

Grand County Search and Rescue and Grand County Emergency Medical Services were dispatched and found his body.

He was subsequently identified as Mondragon.

KSL-TV quotes Grand County Sheriff Steven White as saying, "All we know is that he was with a group last night and decided to take a ride. and then once he didn't show up at a certain period of time — that's when they located him. And at that point, that's when they contacted our office."

He added that alcohol may have been a factor in the crash.

According to Mondragon's Facebook page, he's originally from Wheat Ridge and most recently lived in Arvada.

He worked for a local auto-body shop whose crew appears to have been very close, judging by recent photos included in his Facebook gallery.

Our sincere condolences to the friends, family and loved ones of Jason Mondragon.

Look below to see a KSL report about the accident, broadcast prior to Mondragon's identification.

Send your story tips to the author, Michael Roberts.

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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