Teen Rider Thrown, Killed In Triple Off-Road Wreck Outside Menifee

A Sunday evening off-roading trip in the Romoland hills turned deadly when an 18-year-old local resident was thrown from his vehicle during a three-vehicle collision and died at the scene, according to authorities.

California Highway Patrol officers were called just after 7:05 p.m. to the area near Gunther Road, south of McIntyre Road, following reports of a crash involving multiple off-highway vehicles. The collision involved a 2024 Can-Am side-by-side and two Yamaha all-terrain vehicles, and investigators said alcohol or drugs are not suspected, according to a CHP news release reported by CBS Los Angeles. Fire personnel pronounced the rider dead at the scene.

Where the crash happened

Local dispatch traffic and neighborhood accounts place the wreck in the unincorporated Romoland area northeast of Menifee, with some reports tying it to the vicinity of Gunther and Briggs roads near the hills. Witnesses at the scene described a fast response by emergency crews, but information on whether anyone else was injured was not immediately available, as reported by MyNewsLA.

Investigation under way

The California Highway Patrol said the cause of the collision is still under investigation and asked anyone with information to contact CHP Officer C. Sotelo at 951-324-7120, CBS Los Angeles reported. Officials have not yet released the rider’s identity, citing the need to notify family and complete additional investigative steps.

Off-road risks and safety

Off-highway vehicle crashes like this one often involve violent ejections or rollovers, which research identifies as major contributors to fatal ATV injuries and a stark reminder of why protective gear and safe riding practices matter. Studies by federal safety researchers describe rollovers as a leading cause of deadly ATV incidents, and California’s Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation division funds safety and enforcement efforts aimed at cutting down on such crashes on public lands. NIOSH/CDC and the California State Parks OHV Division provide more detail on those trends.

Authorities said further updates are expected as the CHP investigation continues. Anyone who witnessed the crash and has not yet spoken with investigators is urged to call the CHP tip line listed in official statements.