A Summit County Sheriff’s deputy is in the hospital with broken ribs after suffering an accident on horseback in the Uintas on Friday.
Sergeant Andy Crnich was patrolling with a partner on the Weber River Trail east of Oakley when his horse slipped on a rock. The horse slid down a slope next to the trail, and Crnich’s ribs were broken when the horse rolled over him.
He was flown to a Salt Lake City hospital by helicopter, and is recovering. The horse was not injured.
“Both the deputies, including the one that got injured, are skillful riders and have been on many search and rescue operations,” said Lieutenant Andrew Wright of the Summit County Sheriff’s Office. “Just an unfortunate circumstance where the horse happened to slip on a boulder, and it caused both of them to tumble.”
Crnich is 54 and has also been a firefighter with South Summit Fire for 22 years and served as an EMT paramedic.
He and his patrol partner were out as part of additional patrollers the sheriff’s office sent to campgrounds and trails for the holiday weekend.
Wright said the accident should serve as a reminder to the public that accidents can happen even to experienced riders, and it is important to have a plan in place when venturing out into the woods.
“Our message has always been the same,” Wright said. “Make sure that you have the proper equipment, make sure you have a buddy and a plan, know where you’re going, have plenty of water, have plenty of equipment, and if you need help, make sure you get to a place or to someone that can reach us immediately.
He also said to be mindful of inclement weather in the area, including hail and lightning storms that occur throughout the year.
