Air Force Veteran and Mother of Three Killed in Horseback Riding Accident on California Highway

Monique Morton, 48, was tragically killed along with two horses when they were struck by an oncoming vehicle on California's Highway 371 Sunday night

A 48-year-old Air Force veteran and mother of three, Monique Morton, was killed in a tragic accident along with two horses after one of the animals became spooked and bolted onto a California highway.

The fatal collision occurred shortly before 9:30 p.m. on Sunday along the eastbound shoulder of Highway 371 near Contreras Road in Anza, according to California Highway Patrol officers. Morton had been horseback riding with family and friends when two horses suddenly veered onto the westbound lanes of the highway.

Police say they do not believe speed, drugs or alcohol were contributing factors to the fatal crash, and noted that the 70-year-old female driver remained on scene and cooperated with authorities in the aftermath

Investigators said a sedan traveling at a reasonable speed struck the animals. Witnesses reported that one of the horses had been startled, causing it and its rider to move into the roadway. Morton reportedly leapt in to help guide the horse and rider to safety but was struck in the process.

When officers arrived, they found Morton and another rider, a 34-year-old woman from Temecula, had been ejected. Morton was pronounced dead at the scene by Riverside County paramedics. The other rider was airlifted to a local hospital with major but non-life-threatening injuries.

Morton's husband, 'Squeaky' Smith, said he does not blame the driver

Both horses died on impact, though those present said they did not suffer. The 70-year-old woman driving the sedan was not injured and remained at the scene, cooperating with investigators. Authorities have ruled out speed, alcohol, and drugs as factors in the crash.

Morton’s husband, known as “Squeak” Smith, said he wanted the public to know that “it was not the driver’s fault. It was a tragic accident.”

Witnesses said that one of the horses in their caravan got spooked by something on their path, and both the mare and her rider ended up in the roadway, at which point Morton tried to intervene - but put herself in the path of the oncoming car

Friends and community members have expressed their grief over Morton’s death, describing her as a generous, caring person who had a deep passion for horseback riding. “It’s sad when you’ve seen someone that you’ve known and full of life, now they are gone,” said one friend. Another added, “Our hearts go out to Monique’s family and all involved. She was truly a drop-everything-and-go-help-you friend to so many and will be very missed.”

Authorities continued to investigate the scene on Monday morning, shutting down both lanes of Highway 371 during their work.