MOUNTAIN CENTER, CA — A 72-year-old woman was killed and a 71-year- old man was injured when the motorcycle they were riding struck a deer on Highway 74 near Mountain Center, authorities said on Wednesday.
Peggy Thomas of Hemet was fatally injured shortly after 9 a.m. Sunday east of Diamico Trail, according to the California Highway Patrol.
A 2022 Harley Davidson was traveling at an unconfirmed speed on the eastbound highway when "a deer ran from south to north across the roadway, in front of the Harley Davidson," and the motorcycle attempted to swerve to the left to avoid the animal, the CHP said.
However, the motorcycle struck the deer, causing the bike to overturn and subsequently ejected the 72-year-old passenger.
Thomas was pronounced dead at the scene. The Hemet man driving the motorcycle, who was not identified, was taken to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs. His condition was unknown.
Anyone with information about the accident was asked to call 951-846-5300.
City News Service contributed to this report.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Lake Elsinore Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.