Woman dies in early morning UTV rollover near Morenci

Image of Can-Am Defender for illustration purposes

By Jon Johnson

jonjohnsonnews@gmail.com

SAN FRANCISCO RIVER – Gabrielle Nicole Tavison, 23, died early Tuesday morning after rolling a 2019 Can-Am Defender she was driving. Authorities believe alcohol to be a factor.

According to the Greenlee County Sheriff’s Office, Tavison was operating the vehicle with five passengers when it rolled around 3 a.m. The passengers were treated for non-life threatening injuries.

The crash occurred near the San Francisco River crossing past the corrals near Morenci. The UTV appeared to have been traveling around a tree when it rolled, causing Tavison to suffer a fatal head injury.

The crash continues to be under investigation and is awaiting toxicology results.