A 7-year-old boy from Beaumont was sledding on the afternoon of Sunday, March 14 on the 52000 block of Sylvan Way in Pine Cove while he and his family were visiting friends in the area. 

At approximately 2:53 p.m. as the child was sledding, a 35-year-old male was driving a 2020 Ford Transit 350 FedEx van traveling eastbound on Sylvan Way at a low rate of speed when the child slid under the van, resulting in major injuries to the young boy, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). 

The driver of the FedEx van transported the boy to Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Station 23 across Highway 243 in Pine Cove.

By approximately 3:06 p.m., American Medical Response and an airship were dispatched to treat and airlift the boy from the U.S. Forest Service Keenwild Station helipad to Desert Regional Medical Center. 

Unfortunately, despite all life-saving efforts, before the child could be airlifted from the helipad, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Coroner was requested by Engine 23 to the helipad just before 4 p.m.

CHP Public Information Officer Matt Napier wrote in the press release, “Although this collision is still under investigation, the CHP recognizes that this is an absolute tragedy and one that could have been prevented. We would like to remind anyone visiting our mountain communities to never sled on active roadways and to always be aware of your surroundings.”

According to CHP, alcohol and drugs were ruled out as a contributing factor in the incident.