Former Yuma man dies in ATV accident near Tucson

Former Yuma resident Troy Power, 28, died while riding his all terrain vehicle on Saturday just east of Tucson, according to the Pima County Sheriff's Office.

"He went over the hill near milepost 14 on Redington Road about 4:30 p.m. It's very hilly, rugged terrain up there," Deputy Dawn Barkman said.

Power was with his fiancee, Laura Touchet, and her older sister, Jennifer, and her husband, German Hernandez, at the time of the accident. Pima County Sheriff's believed Power may have suffered a stroke or heart attack just before or after he hit a wall, Jennifer said.

"We still don't know why he hit a wall or how he died after we helped him into the truck," Jennifer said. She added they will not know the cause of death until a thorough medical examination is completed.

Laura noted she, her sister and brother-in-law administered CPR to Power. "I tried to give him my breath - we did everything we could to save him," Laura said.

Melodie Truax, a Tucson resident who previously lived in the Yuma area, noted Power and his fiancee, Laura Touchet, left for Tucson about a month ago. After leaving his job at The Sun, Power worked for Pepsi-Cola in Yuma and then transferred to their location in Tucson.

Power worked for The Sun as a single copy assistant in the circulation department from July 2001 until September 2006.

"Obviously, all of us in circulation are very saddened," said Bob Roeser, circulation director for The Sun. "Troy was 19 when he came to work in circulation and we saw him grow a lot in those years. This was not only a place for him to work but much like a home to him."

Power not only bought his first home while employed by The Sun but he set goals and the direction for things he wanted to accomplish, Roeser said. His fellow employees knew he often enjoyed spending time out on his speed boat or ATV, he noted.

"The accident occurred while he was doing what he loved to do," Roeser said.

Jennifer Touchet noted Power was a very positive, upbeat person and he and Laura had been together for nine years.

"He was an amazing person," Jennifer said. "He was the hardest worker I ever met. Everyone who knew him will miss him."

His fiancee Laura noted Power's cremation will be handled by Abbey Funeral Home and his ashes will be buried next to his mother, Lelanie Simpson, at Desert Lawn Cemetery in Yuma. The date of the funeral services is still pending she said.

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William Roller can be reached at wroller@yumasun.com or 539-6858.