Wilhoit resident dies in berm collision Friday night

Wilhoit resident Thomas Cavanaugh, 59, died after colliding with a berm at the intersection of Canterbury Lane and Stevenage Lane in Wilhoit on Friday night, Dec. 21.

Cavanaugh was seen leaving the Burrow Inn Bar at about 8:30 p.m. and witnesses report hearing an engine revving, squealing tires and then a crash, according to the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office. He was eastbound on Canterbury Lane when he came to the T-intersection of Canterbury Lane and Stevenage Lane, and impacted on the berm, causing damage to the vehicle.

Cavanaugh had labored breathing upon arrival of a Southern Yavapai Fire crew, which removed him from the vehicle. He stopped breathing minutes after EMS arrived, according to the news release. Life-saving measures were attempted on scene for about 15 minutes before he was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The initial investigation revealed that Cavanaugh was not wearing his seatbelt and impacted the steering wheel causing it to break, the YCSO reported.

Deputies have found that Cavanaugh was drinking alcoholic beverages before leaving the Burrow Inn Bar and an investigation is ongoing.

Information provided by the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office.