Two horses, rider killed in crash on Highway 371
City News Service
UPDATE 9/2/2025 – California Highway Patrol authorities are reporting that the two women on horseback involved in the crash were riding with a group of people along eastbound State Route 371 at Contreras Road.
They say one of the horses was spooked and went into the roadway. Monique Morton, who was killed in the crash, had followed the horse and rider into the road to assist with getting it back to the group.
At the same time, the driver of the car traveling westbound on 371 collided with the horses and riders. Officers say the driver did not see the horses or their riders in the roadway, and both riders were ejected onto the roadway. Officers add that both horses are deceased as a result of the crash, but no details were given on whether or not it was necessary to euthanized the horses.
The second rider received major injuries and was airlifted to Desert Regional Medical Center.
CHP says at this time, alcohol or drugs do not appear to have played a factor in the crash, which remains under investigation.
They ask anyone with information on the crash to contact the California Highway Patrol San Gorgonio Pass Area office at 951-846-5300.
ANZA, Calif. (KESQ) – A rider and two horses were killed when a vehicle plowed into them along Highway 371 in Anza, authorities said today.
The fatalities occurred just after 9 p.m. Sunday on the westbound 371, near Bailiff Road, according to the California Highway Patrol and Riverside County Fire Department.
Authorities said a 70-year-old driver traveling at an unconfirmed speed ran into the equines and rider, identified as 48-year-old Monique Morton of Anza.
She was pronounced dead at the scene by county fire paramedics 20 minutes later. It was unclear whether the horses died from the impact or were humanely euthanized due to their injuries.
A second rider, identified as a 34-year-old woman from Temecula, was airlifted to the hospital with major injuries.
No other details were immediately available, including the condition of the motorist and whether the CHP believes alcohol or drugs played a part in the crash.
The two-lane highway was partially shut down until the predawn hours Monday while a preliminary investigation was conducted.
Anyone with information relevant to the investigation was asked to contact the Indio CHP office at 760-772-8938.