A devastating ATV accident in Phoenix claimed the life of 16-year-old Nolan Allen Coffland on February 6.
Highlights
- The incident involved two teens in an ATV crash through a gate, falling 30 feet into a dry canal near 47th Avenue and Cholla Street in Phoenix.
- The area has a history of unauthorized off-road vehicle activity, with local residents reporting frequent dangerous driving despite it being prohibited on state property.
- Nolan Coffland was a high-achieving student (straight A’s) and athlete who left a significant impact on his school community, as evidenced by the somber reaction of his fellow students and visits to the crash site.
The crash occurred near 47th Avenue and Cholla Street when the side-by-side vehicle crashed through a metal fence and plunged 30 feet into a dry canal.
Coffland, who was identified as the passenger in the vehicle, was with his best friend at the time of the incident.
First responders found the ATV upside down in the canal and rushed both teens to the hospital in extremely critical condition.
While Coffland did not survive his injuries, his friend remains hospitalized in critical condition.
Nolan Coffland Is Mourned By His Loved Ones And His Girlfriend
The tragedy struck particularly hard for Coffland’s girlfriend, Emory Chambers.
The accident occurred on what would have been their four-month anniversary. Chambers shared,
“I was at softball practice and I thought he was ignoring me and he was supposed to pick me up. His car was his favorite thing. He was really goofy. He’s a really funny guy.”
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Coffland was a junior at Centennial High School, where he maintained straight A’s and played on the JV football team.
His family described him as a “vibrant and loved son” who was passionate about fishing and working on cars.
Students at Centennial High School reported a somber atmosphere following the news of his death, with many visiting the crash site to pay their respects. Coffland’s family stated,
“We are without words on his tragic death and continue to pray for his best friend who is fighting for his life.”
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Local authorities are currently reviewing surveillance footage that may have captured the incident.
Local resident Steve Mangum noted that off-road vehicle activity is common in the area, despite it being prohibited on state property.
The tragic incident has renewed calls for increased enforcement of safety regulations in the area.
Services are being planned to honor Coffland’s memory, as the community mourns the loss of a young life cut tragically short.
Additional Information
- He enjoyed hanging out with his family and was described as someone who “loved life tremendously.”
- The incident occurred around 5:15 PM on February 6th when he was driving on a paved jogging path.
