Summer Vigil-Gardner Seriously Injured in Turlock Crash on Harding Road near Youngstown Road
Turlock, California (August 13, 2021) – Summer Vigil-Gardner, 19, of Turlock was seriously injured in a collision that killed a horse on Wednesday morning near Turlock, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The incident happened just after 9:00 a.m. August 11, in the 2300 block of Harding Road near Youngstown Road.
According to the report, Isaac Leal, 27, of Delhi, was driving a Chevrolet Silverado north on Youngstown Road while Vigil-Gardner was riding a horse eastbound on Harding Road along the right edge of the road.
Leal got distracted when he reached down to get a bottle of water and when he looked back up, he saw Vigil-Gardner and the horse. He attempted to swerve but the Chevrolet rotated counterclockwise and hit the horse.
Vigil-Gardner was thrown off the horse and she landed onto the roadway.
Summer Vigil-Gardner Hospitalized, Horse Dead in Traffic Crash near Turlock
Vigil-Gardner sustained major injuries and was taken to the Doctors Medical Center.
The horse died at the scene of the crash.
Leal was uninjured.
Distracted driving is believed to have played a role in the accident.
The collision remains under investigation.
Tips on What to do after a Car Accident in California
- Always stop and remain at the scene.
- Check if you or your passengers have been injured. In case someone is hurt, call emergency services or ask someone else to help.
- Get to safety – If your car is drivable, move it to a safe area. If it's not, turn your hazard lights on and set up flares.
- Call 911 to report the accident.
- Never discuss or admit fault. Instead, wait for a police officer and insurance companies representatives to figure out the fault.
- Document the accident and exchange information with other drivers.