The incident occurred at approximately 6:20 p.m. on December 5, 2025, near the intersection of Mountain View Road and Dillon Road.
Desert Hot Springs, CA – A skateboarder was killed Friday evening after being struck by a vehicle in unincorporated Desert Hot Springs, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Coroner identified the deceased party as Juan Mejia Calvillo Jr., a 20-year-old resident of Desert Hot Springs.
The incident occurred at approximately 6:20 p.m. on December 5, 2025, near the intersection of Mountain View Road and Dillon Road.
Investigators reported that the collision involved one vehicle and a pedestrian using a skateboard. The vehicle was traveling along Mountain View Road at the time of the crash, though CHP has not yet released specific directions of travel for each party.
According to CHP, the driver attempted an unsafe pass over solid double yellow lines, moving around a slower vehicle. During the maneuver, the vehicle struck Calvillo Jr., who was riding a skateboard in the area.
The driver stayed at the scene and cooperated with officers. CHP stated there is no indication that alcohol or drugs were contributing factors.
Multiple units from the California Highway Patrol and local emergency responders secured the area while investigating the fatal collision. No arrests have been made, and the incident remains under active investigation.
What Caused the Crash?
Preliminary findings point to the driver’s unsafe passing maneuver as a likely contributing factor, though CHP has not released a final collision report. The official cause remains under investigation.
Impact of the Collision
Both northbound and southbound lanes of Mountain View Road were blocked from Louisan Road to near the entrance of Mountain View Mobile Home Park. The roadway remained closed until approximately 9:00 p.m., causing heavy traffic delays throughout the evening.
Pedestrian & Skateboard Fatality Statistics
Skateboarders are classified under the broader category of “pedestrians” in national traffic data. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 7,388 pedestrians were killed in U.S. traffic collisions in 2022, the highest number recorded in more than four decades. Many of these incidents involve vulnerable road users such as skateboarders, who lack protection and are difficult for drivers to detect.
California consistently reports one of the highest pedestrian fatality totals in the nation. The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) recorded 1,108 pedestrian deaths statewide in 2022, with a significant portion occurring on high-speed roadways in unincorporated and desert regions like Riverside County.
If you’ve lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident, speaking with a skilled wrongful death and pedestrian accident attorney can help you understand your legal rights during this difficult time. An attorney can guide your family through the claims process, protect your interests, and pursue compensation for your loss. Reach out today for compassionate legal support and a free case evaluation.