Texas man in Wyoming to watch eclipse dies in ATV crash

A Texas man was killed in an ATV accident at around 1:05 p.m. Sunday.

The Teton County, Wyoming Sheriff’s Office said 30-year-old John Benson Mione was in the region to observe the eclipse.

According to reports, Mione and a friend were riding in a side-by-side ATV on the Rapid Creek ATV trail in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest near Alta, Wyoming. They ATV became high-centered on a large rock. Both men were out of the ATV and attempting to dislodge it when the the ATV rolled backwards. The machine tipped over and landed on Mione causing severe neck and chest trauma.

His friend was performing CPR while on the phone with emergency dispatch. Teton County, Idaho and Wyoming Search and Rescue and Teton County, Wyoming sheriff’s deputies responded to the accident.

An Air Idaho medical helicopter was dispatched, but the rescuers were unable to resuscitate the victim. He was declared deat at 1:55 p.m.

The Sheriff’s office said no drugs or alcohol were suspected to be involved.