2 teenage girls killed in north Phoenix UTV crash

PHOENIX - Police say two teen girls are dead following a fiery crash in north Phoenix involving a utility terrain vehicle.

Officers responded just after 2 p.m. on Oct. 12 to a desert area near 64th Street and Pinnacle Peak Road for reports of a serious rollover crash involving a UTV.

Once at the scene, officers found the vehicle upside down. Two teenage girls who were in the UTV were pronounced dead at the scene. 

They were identified as Madeline Taylor Cross, 15, and Rylan Lee Poggi, 16.

Investigators are still looking into what caused the deadly crash. Phoenix Fire officials say they respond to a handful of UTV accidents every year.

"Stay off the pavement with the ATV," said Capt. Kimberly Ragsdale. "These vehicles are made for dirt terrain or natural terrain – they have a special tire… taking it onto the pavement, sometimes it makes it difficult to steer, sometimes speed increases so that is a safety concern as well."

In most cases in Arizona, helmets are required for UTV drivers and passengers under the age of 18.

"It is recommended that anyone under 16 not operate an ATV, and it is required to have a valid driver’s license to operate an all-terrain vehicle," Ragsdale said.

Safety officials also recommend UTV riders stick to areas and terrain they are familiar with.

"We’re just asking that everyone goes out riding safely – wear helmets, gloves, chest protection, long pants, long sleeves," said Ragsdale. "That way when they’re out there in the elements, they’re best protected."

It's unknown if the girls were wearing helmets or if they were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.

Where the crash happened: