Auburn man dies in ATV crash near Soap Lake Friday

MOSES LAKE - A 23-year-old Auburn man died Friday from injuries received after jumping off an ATV and striking his head about seven miles east of Soap Lake.

Collin D. Murdock was the passenger in a Polaris Ranger ATV being driven on private property along Road 20 Northeast. The ATV reportedly began to skid and Murdock apparently jumped from the ATV, striking his head on an irrigation circle pivot, according to the sheriff's office.

His friends drove him to Columbia Basin Hospital in Ephrata where he died Friday.

The driver of the ATV, Matthew J. Giandalia, 24, of Kent, received minor injuries. He was treated and released from Columbia Basin Hospital. Neither Giandalia nor Murdock were wearing a helmet, according to the sheriff's office.

Deputies investigated and determined the incident was an accident. No criminal charges are expected to be recommended.

Murdock was a 2013 graduate of Washington State University, earning a business administration degree and was a member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity.