An Anza woman and two horses were killed Sunday night when a vehicle traveling on State Route 371 struck them and another rider near Bailiff Road in Anza, authorities said.
The crash occurred Aug. 31, just after 9 p.m., according to the California Highway Patrol. Cal Fire crews were first to respond before handing the investigation to the CHP.
The Riverside County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as Monique Morton, 48, who was pronounced dead at 9:25 p.m. at the scene, approximately 226 feet east of Bailiff Road. She had been riding with a group crossing the highway when the incident unfolded.
Another rider was hospitalized, though her condition was not immediately released. Both horses died as a result of the collision.
The driver was not injured and remained at the scene.
Nick Nuciforo, who was there to assist with the animals, said, “The horses died on impact and did not suffer.”
According to witnesses, one horse in the group got spooked and both the mare and her rider ended up in the roadway. As the vehicle approached, Morton leapt to help – an act of compassion that placed her directly in the line of impact.
At approximately 9:06 p.m., a 2016 Hyundai sedan driven by a 70-year-old woman, a 40-year resident of Anza, was traveling eastbound on SR-371. The vehicle struck the two horses and both riders. Morton’s husband, known as “Squeak” Smith, emphasized, “We want everyone to know it was not the driver’s fault. It was a tragic accident.”
The second rider, a 34-year-old woman from Temecula, sustained major injuries and was airlifted to a local hospital. The coroner was notified around 9:49 p.m., and CHP’s Indio office continued to investigate.
“There really are no words,” said Janene Anderson, who was on scene. “This is such a tragic loss to our community and friends. Our hearts go out to Monique’s family and all involved. She was truly a drop-everything-and-go-help-you friend to so many and will be very missed.”
Preliminary findings indicate alcohol or drugs do not appear to have been factors.
Jonathan Torres, Public Information Officer for the California Highway Patrol – San Gorgonio Pass Area – confirmed the investigation remains ongoing.
Diane Sieker can be reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia.com.
