Passenger killed, driver injured after motorcycle crash involving deer on HWY 74

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif. (KESQ) — A passenger was killed, and the driver was seriously injured following a motorcycle crash Sunday morning on Highway 74 near the Devil's Ladder Trail.

Authorities were dispatched to the scene around 9:15 a.m. following reports of a single-motorcycle crash.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the motorcyclist was riding their Harley Davidson trike motorcycle on State Route 74 eastbound when a deer ran from south to north across the roadway, in front of the motorcycle. 

The rider attempted to swerve to the left, into the westbound lane, in an attempt to avoid the deer. The Harley Davidson struck the deer, causing the motorcycle to leave the north dirt shoulder.

The Harley Davidson overturned and subsequently ejected the rider and 72-year-old female passenger from Hemet. 

The 72-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene. She was identified by authorities on Tuesday as Peggy Thomas of Hemet.

The driver, a 71-year-old man from Hemet, suffered major injuries and was airlifted to a hospital for treatment.

Highway 74 was temporarily closed in both directions as emergency crews responded to the scene and investigated the crash. The roadway has since reopened to traffic.

Authorities have not released the identities of the two people involved.

Investigators are still investigating the cause of the crash.