BOX ELDER COUNTY – By Cari Doutre, Headliner Publisher, October 6, 2021
Law authorities in Box Elder County are investigating a fatal accident that occurred on Bird Refuge Road in Brigham City on October 6. Preliminary investigation reports suggest that a fatal medical incident may have occurred prior to the accident.
According to the Box Elder Sheriff’s Office, law enforcement and emergency responders were dispatched just before 4 p.m. to a location seven miles west of I-15 near the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge after reports that a vehicle had driven into the Bear River.
During investigation efforts it was revealed that the vehicle, driven by Robert Pesout, 77, was traveling eastbound when it left the north side of the roadway.
“It continued at a slow rate of speed for approximately 200 yards off-road until driving into the Bear River. The vehicle remained upright in waist deep water, and the driver was not submerged,” according to a statement released by the Box Elder Sheriff’s Office.
Pesout was the only occupant in the vehicle and was not responsive when witnesses to the accident approached to help.
“Witnesses, including an off-duty police officer, performed CPR but the driver was pronounced dead at the scene after EMS arrived,” the statement added.
Authorities believe Pesout was a West Haven resident in nearby Weber County.
Cause of death is pending an examination report from The Utah Office of the Medical Examiner.