An Apple Valley motorcyclist has been found at fault after a deadly collision with a van last month, official reports confirm. On April 20th, 39-year-old Matthew Hicks rode his Kawasaki Ninja into a Toyota Sienna, resulting in his death and injuries to all six passengers of the van, including a juvenile who had to be airlifted to a trauma center. The crash happened at around 6:11 p.m. at the intersection of State Highway 18 and Quinnault Road, as stated by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.
According to an update on May 5, investigators from the sheriff’s Major Accident Investigation Team (M.A.I.T.) concluded that Hicks was to blame for the accident after he ran a red light. The initial response to the crash included deputies from the Apple Valley Sheriff’s Station, and emergency personnel from both the Apple Valley Fire Department and American Medical Response.
The investigation caused a three-hour shutdown of State Highway 18 between Central Road and Navajo Road, during which deputies collected evidence and collected witness statements. The sheriff's department recently issued a statement encouraging anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or with any further information, to step forward with details that could assist the ongoing investigation. People with information can reach out to Deputy G. Dominguez or Deputy T. Arlotti at the Apple Valley Sheriff’s Station, or remain anonymous by contacting the We-Tip Hotline.
Hicks, an Apple Valley resident, was pronounced dead at a local hospital following the crash, authorities have confirmed. The other driver, 36-year-old Brian Hume, along with the passengers in the white 2016 Toyota Sienna, were transported to multiple hospitals – sustaining various injuries, according to official reports. The extent of their injuries has not been released to the public.
The Apple Valley community has been shaken by this tragic event, which serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers present at road intersections. The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department's M.A.I.T. is handling the ongoing investigation and updates are expected as new information becomes available. For further details or to provide information about the crash, contact details for the involved deputies and the confidential tip hotline are listed on the sheriff's department website.
