Cariboo man dies after utility vehicle tumbles down steep embankment above the Fraser River

A 71-year-old man is dead after the utility terrain vehicle (UTV) he was driving tumbled down the side of a steep embankment at his home south of Kersley, in B.C.'sCaribooregion.

Quesnel RCMP say they were called to the private property just after 5 p.m. PT Wednesday after the man suffered life-threatening injuries.

They say hewas dumping a load of debris when the UTV, also known as a side-by-side,started rolling down the embankment.

The vehicle fell 200 metres andbecame lodged on a tree. Theman was thrown out and tumbledanother 200 metres to the banks of the Fraser River.

Because of diminishing light and the location, helicopter rescue was impossible, say the RCMP.

Quesnel Search and Rescue extricated the man and he was transported by ambulance to the Quesnel Airport, and then by air ambulance to Prince George University Hospital where hesuccumbed to his injuries.

Policeare not releasing the man's name at this time.