A tragic incident occurred on Thursday afternoon along SR-79 South near Gilman Springs Road in the San Gorgonio Pass area, resulting in a fatal outcome. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) responded to reports of a vehicle over the side of the road, discovering a grim scene upon arrival.
According to CHP reports, the vehicle had gone over the side of SR-79, leading to a fatal outcome for the female occupant who was still inside the vehicle at the time of discovery. The severity of the incident prompted an urgent response from emergency services, including the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE).
Authorities on the scene, including Riverside County Sheriff's Office personnel, confirmed that a helicopter unit, STAR9, had previously located the vehicle, emphasizing the challenging terrain that contributed to the difficulty of recovery efforts. The vehicle was reportedly situated approximately 230 feet off the roadway, amidst rough and challenging terrain.
Riverside County Sheriff's Office officials expressed doubts about the recoverability of the vehicle given the circumstances and the rugged nature of the terrain surrounding the crash site.