Passenger Dies In Harley-Davidson Vs. Deer Crash, Leaves RivCo Rider Hospitalized

HEMET, CA — A Hemet woman, who was a passenger on a weekend motorcycle ride, died after the driver struck a deer on State Route 74, the California Highway Patrol Beaumont Division shared.

Just after 9 a.m. Sunday, the CHP responded to a solo motorcycle collision just east of Diamico Trail.

A 71-year-old Hemet man, whose identity has not yet been released, was riding a 2022 Harley-Davidson trike motorcycle on State Route 74 at the time of the collision, with the as-yet-unidentified woman as a passenger, according to CHP Officer Palomera.

Preliminary investigation suggests the man was riding the Harley-Davidson on State Route 74 eastbound, when a deer ran from south to north across the roadway, in front of the motorcycle.

"The rider attempted to swerve to the left, into the westbound lane in an attempt to avoid the deer," Palomera said. However, the Harley-Davidson struck the deer, causing the motorcycle to leave the north dirt shoulder.

The motorcycle overturned and subsequently ejected the rider and his 72-year-old female passenger, also from Hemet. Their relationship was not immediately released.

The woman suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The male rider suffered major injuries and was transported to Desert Regional Medical Center.

It is currently unknown if alcohol or drugs contributed to the crash. The crash remains under investigation. Anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to contact the CHP Beaumont Area office.

The crash is still under investigation and anyone with information regarding the crash is encouraged to call Officer J. Alvarado, at (951) 846-5300.

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