A tragic car accident southwest of Prescott resulted in the death of a local woman last week. Yavapai County Sheriff's Office deputies reported to the scene near Thumb Butte Loop Road on the evening of August 16 where they discovered a vehicle had descended around 1,000 feet down a steep mountainside. The sole occupant, identified as 39-year-old Kristin Little from Prescott, was found deceased after being ejected from her vehicle, according to the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office.
The area's challenging terrain complicated the search and rescue efforts. According to the sheriff's office, drones were used and a DPS Ranger helicopter was called in to assist with the search for any potential survivors, but no additional occupants were found. As the sun set and the night grew near, the recovery operation was postponed until the following morning. During the interim, officials remained on site with Little's body, honoring her with their presence through the cold night.
Recovery efforts resumed at first light on August 17, and the sheriff's personnel successfully brought Little's body back up the rugged cliffside by noon, subsequently transporting her to the Medical Examiner's office. The investigation into the accident continues, with authorities looking into how Little's car came to veer off the road and plunge so tragically.
Early speculations suggest that Little was driving northward along the rustic Thumb Butte Loop Road before her vehicle strayed to the left, leading to the fatal incident. Though the details surrounding the cause are still hazy, the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office assures that they are delving into the matter to unravel the sequence of events that led to this unfortunate outcome.
