78-year-old motorcyclist dies in accident on SR76

Officer Jim Bettencourt of the California Highway Patrol reports that a 78-year-old male motorcyclist was killed in an accident today on SR76 when he was unable to avoid an out-of-control vehicle that veered into his path.

The accident occurred at approximately 12:23 p.m. when an 18-year-old female from Temecula was driving her 2006 Honda Civic eastbound on SR76 just east of Cole Grade Rd. at an unknown speed.

For reasons still under investigation, the driver veered to the right onto the gravel shoulder, lost control and over corrected into the westbound lane where a group of three motorcyclists were traveling.

One of the motorcyclists was able to avoid the Honda. The second motorcycle, a 2014 Harley Davidson driven by a 73-year-old male from Highland, veered to the right trying to avoid the vehicle. The motorcycle overturned and the rider was ejected. He suffered moderate to major injuries and was transported via ground to Palomar Hospital.

The third motorcycle, a 2015 Harley Davidson ridden by the 78-year-old male from Rialto, hit the Honda broadside. The rider was pronounced dead on scene.

The driver of the Honda suffered a broken arm and was transported to Palomar Hospital. A passenger in the vehicle, a 20-year-old male (unknown city of residence at this time), was transported via air to Palomar Hospital with major life threatening injuries.

According to Bettencourt, driving under the influence is not suspected in this collision. The accident remains under investigation.