Jeep Cherokee XJ Rolls off Cliff, 15-Year-Old Driver Walks Away Unharmed

This scary looking accident could have ended much worse, but the driver and her Jeep Cherokee XJ held up amazingly well.

As most Jeep fans/owners are well aware, off-roading is an inherently fun yet also potentially dangerous hobby. With the right precautions, one can travel off the beaten path and not have to worry too much about wrecking their ride or themselves, but accidents still happen. And that’s precisely what happened when the father/daughter off-road duo known as the Krazy Ks were wheeling their Jeep Cherokee XJ  during an event at Chokecherry Canyon, New Mexico last year.

The younger member of this crew – Katelynn, who is just 15 years old – was piloting the Jeep Cherokee XJ up some rocks while her father Kevin spotted her. Things appear to be going fairly well, though the older Jeep gets a bit sideways towards the end, after which it starts to roll toward a fairly steep cliff. Kevin is obviously horrified when the SUV begins to roll down the rocks in a rather violent fashion, and he’s understandably very concerned for Katelynn as he runs down to see if she’s ok once the Jeep comes to a rest on its driver’s side.

Thankfully, that’s precisely the case, as he arrives at the Jeep to find Katelynn emerging from the open passenger side window proclaiming “somebody better have gotten that on video.” The Cherokee’s external cage and other safety equipment did its job perfectly, protecting the cabin and the driver from harm. Unfortunately, the Jeep itself didn’t fare so well, as the Krazy Ks posted later on that it’s a total loss, sadly enough.

 

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A post shared by Kevin and Katelynn (@krazy_k.s)

Since that fateful day, the father and daughter team has replaced their beloved 1996 model Cherokee with a 1995 YJ buggy, though Katelynn has apparently rolled that one, too, albeit in a much less dramatic fashion. Personally, we’re just impressed by this young lady’s wit and determination, because how many of us could have walked away from such a scary incident seemingly unfazed?

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Brett Foote

Brett Foote has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is a longtime contributor to Internet Brands’ Auto Group sites, including Chevrolet Forum, Rennlist, and Ford Truck Enthusiasts, among other popular sites.

He has been an automotive enthusiast since the day he came into this world and rode home from the hospital in a first-gen Mustang, and he's been wrenching on them nearly as long.

In addition to his expertise writing about cars, trucks, motorcycles, and every other type of automobile, Brett had spent several years running parts for local auto dealerships.

You can follow along with his builds and various automotive shenanigans on Instagram: @bfoote.