Cajon Junction, California (April 5, 2026) — A 45-year-old Crestline man was killed Sunday evening in a hit-and-run collision while riding a motorcycle along Highway 138 near the Cajon Pass, according to authorities.
Officials identified the deceased as Taylor Cole of Crestline.
The crash was reported at about 5:20 p.m. on Highway 138 just east of the 15 Freeway.
Incident Details: According to California Highway Patrol logs and San Bernardino County coroner officials, the collision involved a motorcycle and a gold Chrysler minivan. Cole was riding the motorcycle when the crash occurred. He died at the scene.
Authorities said the minivan driver fled and remained at large. CHP officers requested a helicopter to search the area for a possible suspect on foot and also checked with local hospitals for anyone who may have arrived after the crash. Specialized tow trucks were called in to collect both the van and the motorcycle as evidence.
Highway 138 was closed in both directions at the scene, and the 15 Freeway connector roads to eastbound Highway 138 were also shut down during the investigation.
Cole was widely described as both a respected scientist and an adventurer. Reporting identified him as the chief technology officer at the U.S. Naval Surface Warfare Center in Corona. He also leaves behind a daughter.
Investigation: In a hit-and-run motorcycle crash like this one, investigators will likely focus first on identifying the fleeing driver and determining exactly how the collision occurred. That process may include examining damage to the motorcycle and minivan, reviewing any surveillance footage from the area, and tracing the movements of the gold Chrysler before and after the crash.
Investigators may also examine the point of impact, speed, lane position, visibility, and whether the minivan made an unsafe maneuver before striking Cole. In motorcycle crashes, even a brief failure to see a rider or to yield properly can have catastrophic consequences. The fact that CHP treated both vehicles as evidence suggests that physical reconstruction will be especially important in this case.
Because the driver fled, another major issue will be whether that person was impaired, injured, or otherwise trying to avoid responsibility. Hit-and-run cases often turn on early evidence collection, and the first hours after the crash can be critical in preserving the details needed to explain exactly what happened.
Legal Considerations: Fatal hit-and-run motorcycle collisions often raise serious civil liability issues once the driver is identified. A full investigation is often the first step toward accountability and the truth. If the evidence shows that the minivan driver acted negligently, recklessly, or unlawfully fled the scene after causing the collision,
Taylor Cole’s family might have the possibility to pursue a wrongful death claim, depending on how the investigation unfolds. If they do, it could help them receive compensation to cover funeral and burial expenses, along with the emotional and financial support they’ve lost.
A civil case may also help uncover facts that are not immediately available in early public reporting, including the driver’s conduct before the crash and whether any other person or entity shares responsibility.
My deepest condolences go out to Taylor Cole’s loved ones and family.
Source: Victorville Daily Press