Saturday morning in Cherry Valley, California, a vibrant young life was tragically extinguished in a devastating collision that left a community in mourning. At approximately 10 a.m. on September 6, 2025, 21-year-old Gavin Hinkey lost his life when his 2018 Tesla Model 3 was struck by a Riverside County Sheriff’s Department patrol vehicle at the intersection of Cherry Valley Boulevard and Roberts Street. The incident, now under investigation by the California Highway Patrol, has left a profound mark on those who knew Gavin and the broader community.
Gavin, a resident of Cherry Valley, was behind the wheel of his Tesla, stopped at the southbound lanes of Roberts Street, preparing to make a left turn onto Cherry Valley Boulevard. At the same moment, a 41-year-old deputy from the sheriff’s Cabazon station was speeding westbound in a 2018 Ford Explorer, responding to a call for service with emergency lights and sirens blazing. The deputy, whose identity remains undisclosed, was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, according to authorities. The patrol vehicle broadsided Gavin’s Tesla, resulting in catastrophic consequences.
Gavin Hinkey was pronounced dead at the scene, his life cut short in an instant. Described by those close to him as a kind-hearted and ambitious young man, Gavin’s untimely death has left a void in the hearts of his family and friends. A makeshift memorial of flowers and candles now adorns the crash site, a poignant reminder of the loss felt by the Cherry Valley community.
In the passenger seat of the Tesla was 20-year-old Madeline Fox, also of Cherry Valley, who sustained major head trauma in the collision. She was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she remains in critical condition as of Sunday, September 7, 2025. Her fight for recovery has become a focal point of hope and prayers for those following the aftermath of this tragedy.
The deputy involved in the crash suffered minor injuries, primarily facial lacerations, and was treated promptly. The California Highway Patrol has noted that drugs or alcohol do not appear to be factors in the collision, which remains under thorough investigation to determine the precise circumstances leading to the fatal impact.
The intersection of Cherry Valley Boulevard and Roberts Street, typically a quiet crossing in the small town of Calimesa, has become a somber landmark. Community members have gathered to pay their respects, leaving tributes to Gavin and messages of support for Madeline’s recovery. The incident has also sparked conversations about road safety and the challenges of emergency response driving in residential areas.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on the lives forever altered by this heartbreaking event. Gavin Hinkey’s memory lives on through the love and stories shared by those who knew him, while the community rallies in hope for Madeline’s healing. This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the profound impact of a single moment on the road.