A horse rider was killed and another was left in critical condition after one of their horses was “spooked” and ran into traffic on a California highway.
The accident happened around 9:30 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 31, along the westbound 371 in Anza, Riverside County, KTLA and NBC 4 Los Angeles reported, citing the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
Investigators said a group of family and friends had been riding eastbound on the shoulder of SR-371 when two horses moved onto the highway. A 70-year-old woman driving westbound then collided with them, according to the outlets.
One of the riders, 47-year-old Monique Morton of Anza, died at the scene. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office confirmed her identity in a press release. Morton, a mother of three, was also an Air Force veteran, per NBC4.
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The second rider, a 34-year-old woman from Temecula, was taken to the hospital in critical condition, the outlet reported. Authorities said the driver was not arrested.
Investigators added that the driver was traveling at “a reasonable rate of speed” and is cooperating with CHP. Speed, alcohol, or drugs are not believed to be factors in the crash, per KTLA.
Morton’s friend Diane Sieker told NBC 4 that her horse got “spooked” just before the accident.
“The horse spooked and didn’t want to go, and they ended up in the middle of the road when the car approached,” she said. “Monique tried to get her off the road and was hit by the car.” Sieker also noted that Morton’s husband had been riding just a few feet ahead when the collision happened.
Friends have since shared tributes to Morton online. One wrote on Facebook, “I am so, so, devastated and completely heartbroken!! Rest in peace my dearest friend, Monique Morton. Thank you for all the wonderful times & memories we have shared together over the past 30 years … Ride free my friend!!! 😭”
