What caused Sophia Hutchins' ATV to go off a cliff? Police share preliminary findings

2020 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Radhika Jones - Arrivals - Source: Getty
2020 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Radhika Jones - Arrivals - (Image via Getty)

Sophia Hutchins, a close friend and manager of Caitlyn Jenner, tragically died in an ATV accident close to Jenner's Malibu residence. She was 29 years old. The accident happened on Decker Edison Road, a steep and curved section in Malibu hills, California.

As per authorities, Sophia Hutchins' ATV careened off a cliff when she rear-ended another car after reportedly losing control, sending her 350 feet plummeting into a ravine. The accident occurred during the day, and paramedics declared her dead on arrival. The other driver was unharmed and showed no signs of impairment.

While the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department continues to work on the case, it has released significant details to the public. The accounts of witnesses, the conditions of the road, and initial police findings are assisting in piecing together what occurred in the last moments of Sophia Hutchins' life.


What did police find at the scene of the crash?

Emergency responders arrived promptly but were unable to save her. Officials reported that she died upon impact. The ground in that area of Malibu is characterized by cliffs and narrow roads, which make it treacherous even for minor errors while driving.

The police did not detect any indication that the other driver was intoxicated. They were cooperating with police while the accident was being investigated.

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Was speeding a factor in the accident?

According to The Independent (July 5, 2025), the investigators suspect that Sophia Hutchins was speeding when she crashed.

Police sources reported that Hutchins' ATV lacked any crash recording equipment, which limits the available precise information. Nevertheless, physical evidence and witness statements indicated speeding as the probable contributing factor.

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Reports indicated that residents in the community have complained about the safety along Decker Edison Road. They stated that without guardrails and sufficient lighting, the road becomes particularly hazardous for speeding cars or inexperienced drivers.

Local officials have been weighing upgrades to the area. Among them are installing warning signs and erecting barriers on sections of road where cliffs are at their steepest. The Hutchins accident could bring renewed pressure for safety improvements.

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Edited by Yesha Srivastava