Woman dies in UTV accident

By on Monday, June 26th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

The following is a news release from the Morrow County Sheriff’s Office:

About 1:05pm on Sunday June 25th, Morrow County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center received a 911 call regarding a UTV (Utility Terrain Vehicle or Side-by-Side) accident with a 61-year-old female.

The accident occurred in a remote area of South Morrow County, off the 21 Road near Ellis Creek.  The Lulay family has been coming to this area for family camping trips for many years. On Sunday, several friends and family members were riding ATV’s, UTV’s and motorcycles, following each other through the forest.  On a portion of the road, while she was traveling under 20mph, the UTV that Kristi Lulay was driving overturned. Her 9-year-old granddaughter was also in the vehicle. The granddaughter sustained reportedly minor injuries, but was transported to a Portland area hospital for overnight observation. Kristi Lulay, 61 of Sublimity, Oregon lost her life in this UTV accident.

The Morrow County Sheriff’s Office wishes to express our deepest condolences to the Lulay Family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.

This is a very sad reminder, that if you are in a UTV, to please wear your seatbelt.  Regardless of age MCSO also highly recommends wearing a helmet. Let’s be safe out there.  A very small price to pay to avoid a tragedy. MCSO wishes to thank Heppner Ambulance and Heppner Fire for their assistance.