Four injured in crash near Kayenta Rodeo Grounds, Christmas parade canceled

WINDOW ROCK

A crash Monday evening along Navajo Route 591 near the Kayenta Rodeo Grounds reportedly injured four people and led to the cancellation of a Christmas-related parade that had been scheduled in the community, according to township and tribal officials.

The incident occurred shortly before Kayenta Township’s second annual Christmas light parade was set to begin.

Township Manager Jarvis Williams said the parade was scheduled to start at 5:30 p.m. and was expected to draw a large crowd.

“The incident occurred on Navajo Route 591 near the Kayenta rodeo grounds at our second annual Christmas light parade,” Williams said. “The incident occurred prior to the parade starting and we had received the call that there was an incident or an accident and several people were injured.”

Williams said the crash happened before attendees had fully arrived and parked.

“The parade was scheduled to start at 5:30, so it was before folks were still finding their way to the parking area,” he said.

Attendees had been instructed to park in designated lots and line the roadway on foot, Williams said, noting that the event was not a vehicle-based parade.

“In this instance, attendees were asked to park in the parking lot and then to bring their chairs and line up along the road,” he said.

The parade route was planned to begin at the north end of Route 591 and continue roughly half a mile to the rodeo grounds, where it was scheduled to end and transition into a Christmas market.

Williams said four people were believed to have been injured. Township officials later confirmed injuries were reported and that the Navajo Nation Police Department is investigating the incident.

 “Several EMS units were called to respond, and I’m unsure about the condition of the injured, but they are of great concern to us,” he said.

Attendance at the event was strong prior to the accident, Williams said, though exact numbers were not available.

“It was well attended,” he said. “I couldn’t give you any numbers, but there was quite a few people there.”

Questions about whether alcohol may have been involved remain unanswered, Williams said, adding that the matter is under investigation.

“Because it’s alleged, we’re not real clear on that,” he said. “The police are investigating that portion, and any questions related to that part of the incident should be given to the police department.”

A suspect, whom sources familiar with the matter identified while speaking on condition of anonymity, is described as a suspected drunk driver and a known bootlegger and drug dealer.

Following the accident, township officials canceled both the parade and the Christmas market that was to follow.

“Yes,” Williams said when asked whether the event was canceled because of the incident.

Council Delegate Shaandiin Parrish also expressed support for the Kayenta community. Parrish said the incident turned what was meant to be a celebration into a moment of collective concern.

“My prayers are with our community tonight in Kayenta, especially the impacted families who are experiencing the traumatic event from tonight,” Parrish said. “I commend our first responders for being at the event and responding as quick as I could, and I commend our EMS and also our police department. Our police department there and our firefighters, they were first on scene.”

She said the response reflected the strength of local emergency services and the close-knit nature of the community.

“As small as we are in Kayenta, the appropriate people were there,” Parrish said. “I just pray for a speedy recovery for those impacted, and I know the whole community of Kayenta is uplifting the families in prayer tonight.”

Parrish added that the incident served as a reminder to look out for one another during the holiday season.

“This was supposed to be a joyous occasion where we were going to come together as a community,” she said. “But we got to remember to remind our family members who struggle with substance abuse that that’s not the path that they need to be on. What’s important during this season is to be with one another.”

The Kayenta Township thanked responding agencies, including the Navajo Nation Police Department, Navajo Nation Emergency Medical Services, Kayenta Township Fire Department, Navajo Nation Department of Criminal Investigations Kayenta District and the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

Township officials said further inquiries should be directed to the Navajo Nation Police Department as the investigation continues.

Police continue to investigate the incident. The extent of the victims’ injuries has not been released.

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