Gavin Hinkley, 21, Killed in Cherry Valley Boulevard Crash in Riverside County

Tesla Driver Killed in Cherry Valley Crash Involving Riverside County Sheriff’s Deputy

CHERRY VALLEY, Calif. (Sept. 8, 2025) — Gavin Hinkley, a 21-year-old Tesla driver, was killed Saturday morning in a crash with a Riverside County sheriff’s deputy who was responding to an emergency call, authorities said.

Two others were injured in the collision on Sept. 6th just after 10 a.m. at Cherry Valley Boulevard and Roberts Street, according to the California Highway Patrol. Investigators said the driver was making a left turn from Roberts Street onto Cherry Valley when his Tesla Model 3 was struck by a westbound patrol SUV with its lights and sirens activated.

Hinkey was pronounced dead at the scene. His passenger, 20 year old Madeline Fox of Cherry Valley, suffered major head trauma and was transported to a local hospital. was rushed to a hospital with major injuries.

The deputy, a 41-year-old from the Cabazon Station, sustained minor injuries. CHP noted he was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. Drugs and alcohol are not considered factors.

The deputy had been responding to reports of an assault with a deadly weapon in Calimesa, where evidence of a shooting was later found but no victims reported. Deputies later served a search warrant at a home in Banning, where one suspect was taken into custody.

The CHP San Gorgonio Pass office is investigating the fatal crash. Anyone with information is urged to contact investigators.

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