Utah father of 6 dies from injuries in dirt bike crash

MURRAY — A man severely injured in a dirt bike crash near the Utah County-Tooele County line passed away late Monday, his family said.

Matt Ballard had been riding in the area of Five Mile Pass west of Eagle Mountain Friday, when family members said he encountered a rock at the wrong place at the wrong time.

“At some point along the edge of this cliff, he happened to hit a rock wrong and fell,” Ballard’s sister, Jenny Johnson said.

Ballard dropped 75 feet into a rock quarry.

“It’s just crazy,” Johnson sighed.

Ballard suffered injuries to all of his limbs, as well as internal injuries.

Monday, family members said he suffered three strokes before he passed.

Brent Ballard said his brother was experienced on the dirt bike, as well as other outdoor vehicles, and he always recreated with a high-degree of safety.

“Even with his friends, he wouldn’t let them ride unless they had their gear on,” he explained.

Relatives expressed gratitude over one of Ballard’s friends, who quickly rode four miles away to get cell service and call for help, and who then returned to Ballard’s side to help keep him alive for nearly two hours until first responders could get there.

Ballard was loved deeply by his wife and their six children, family members said.

“He gives his all to everyone in need—anyone in need, at anytime, anywhere, anyplace,” said Johnson, teary-eyed. “He lived his life for his kids and his wife. I just saw a new, amazing man emerge with a family.”

Ballard’s family created a GoFundMe account to help his wife and kids with the challenges and expenses they face in the coming months.

Brent Ballard said it was difficult to contemplate what had happened, but he hoped others might learn from his brother’s story.

“Life is short,” he said. “It’s a life to live and you need to spend that time with your family and always let them know that you love them.”