Teen Killed Falling off Jeep's Riding Board Driven by Friend

GLENDORA, CA - An 18-year-old man was killed in a fall from the side of a Jeep while standing on the vehicle's riding board as a minor drove it through the Angeles National Forest, authorities said.

Jacob Mendez-Alonso of Glendora died in the accident reported at 12:35 a.m. Saturday, the California Highway Patrol said.

The Jeep Wrangler was heading north at about 45 mph on Glendora Mountain Ridge Road, north of Big Dalton Road, CHP Officer K. Bush said.

At some point, the driver allowed Mendez-Alonso to get on the riding board of the front passenger side, and during the ride, fell and hit his head on the asphalt, Bush said.

The driver pulled over and called 911.

Mendez-Alonso was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The minor driver was released to his father.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the CHP at (626) 338-1164.

--City News Service, photo courtesy of Jeep