Murrieta Motorcyclist Dies In Benton Road Crash: CHP

MURRIETA, CA — A deadly two-vehicle collision claimed the life of a 24-year-old Murrieta man Thursday night, according to California Highway Patrol, Temecula officers.

Just before 6:30 p.m., a northbound Ford Ranger struck a Yamaha motorcycle that was heading southbound on Washington Street just north of Benton Road, CHP Officer Mike Lassig told Patch.

A Hemet woman driving the Ranger veered into the path of the oncoming motorcycle for unknown reasons, resulting in a head-on collision, he said. The motorcyclist was ejected onto Washington Street.

Cal Fire responded to the scene and tended to both patients, according to Lassig. The motorcyclist was taken by AMR ambulance to Inland Valley Medical Center and later succumbed to his injuries, according to Lassig.

The Ranger's driver was also taken by ambulance to Inland Valley Medical Center with minor injuries, he said. Her injuries were considered minor.

Drugs and alcohol were not considered factors in the crash, he said, and charges may be pending for the Ranger's driver.

CHP Temecula is conducting a traffic collision investigation, and the Riverside County Sheriff's Department Coroner's Bureau will release the motorcyclist's name pending notification of next of kin.