Quad Rider Dies in Collision With Horse in Romoland

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A Menifee man died on Monday, Aug. 24 when the quad he was riding collided with a horse being ridden in an open field in the Romoland community of Menifee, authorities said today.

The 26-year-old man, whose name has not been released, was riding a 2013 Suzuki Quad to the rear of a horse that was being ridden by Javier Gonzalez, 27, of Menifee in a field west of Briggs Road and north of Mapes Road at about 10:45 p.m., according to a California Highway Patrol news release. For reasons still under investigation, the quad collided with the rear of the horse.

Both riders were ejected. The rider of the quad was pronounced dead at the scene. Gonzalez sustained minor injuries. The speed at which the quad was driven has not been determined.

Due to the severity of injuries to the horse, the owner gave permission to euthanize the horse. Animal control officers responded to the scene but were unsuccessful in their attempts to euthanize the horse. A CHP officer on scene killed the horse by firing one round from his .40 caliber service weapon at approximately 1:25 a.m.

The cause of the collision is still under investigation. Witnesses or anyone with information regarding this collision are encouraged to contact the Riverside CHP Area office at 951-637-8000.