RIVERSIDE, CA - Riverside County Sheriff’s Motor Deputy Timothy Corlew was killed in a fatal collision when he collided with the rear of a Toyota (Lexus) and was catapulted from his motorcycle to land on a nearby Hyundai sedan according to the California Highway Patrol.
As reported by The Desert Sun, the collision that led to Corlew’s death occurred at approximately 5:35 a.m. on Route 91in Riverside as he was traveling in the HOV lane and encountered “traffic ahead ... stopped across all lanes,” according to CHP Inland Empire Division spokesman Officer Dan Olivas.
The CHP spokesman explained that the cause of the accident is still under investigation.
Riverside Fire Department paramedics responded to the accident scene in a matter of minutes. They began to provide care to Corlew who was later transported to Riverside Community Hospital where Olivas said he was pronounced dead moments after arrival.
Sheriff Chad Bianco posted a brief statement to X writing, “With immense sadness & a heavy heart, I must report that the Riverside County Sheriff's Office has lost another deputy in a line of duty death. Deputy Timothy Corlew, assigned to Jurupa Valley Sheriff’s Stn, was involved in an on-duty traffic accident on 1/8/25.”
The driver of the Lexus was treated for minor injuries as well, and the occupant of the Hyundai was uninjured.
Riverside office spokesman, Officer Javier Navarro of the California Highway Patrol’s Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team told the outlet that it is “unlikely any criminal charges will be coming out of this down the road, based on what we know right now.” However, he added that the team is continuing to investigate the incident.
"We extend our deepest sympathy to the family of Deputy Timothy Corlew,'' a sheriff's department statement said per ABC7. "Please continue to pray for his wife, two sons and the men and women of the Riverside County Sheriff's Office as we grieve this loss.''
Officer Down Memorial Page reported that Corlew is survived by his wife and two children. A fundraising effort for the Corlew family has been launched on HelpaHero.com by the Riverside County Deputy Sheriff Relief Foundation and has amassed over $8,000 as of this report.
The foundation wrote in part, “It is with heavy hearts that we share the loss of Motor Deputy Timothy Corlew, a dedicated member of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty on January 8, 2025. Deputy Corlew’s commitment to serving and protecting our community has left an indelible mark, and his loss is profoundly felt by his colleagues, friends, and the community he so passionately served.”
According to the statement, Corlew was with the Sheriff’s Office for approximately 8 years beginning in 2016.
“Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a meaningful impact and serve as a testament to the gratitude and respect we hold for Deputy Corlew’s service and sacrifice,” the foundation added, “Together, let us stand in solidarity with the Corlew family and ensure they feel the unwavering support of the community Deputy Corlew so faithfully served.”
As reported by The Desert Sun, the collision that led to Corlew’s death occurred at approximately 5:35 a.m. on Route 91in Riverside as he was traveling in the HOV lane and encountered “traffic ahead ... stopped across all lanes,” according to CHP Inland Empire Division spokesman Officer Dan Olivas.
The CHP spokesman explained that the cause of the accident is still under investigation.
Riverside Fire Department paramedics responded to the accident scene in a matter of minutes. They began to provide care to Corlew who was later transported to Riverside Community Hospital where Olivas said he was pronounced dead moments after arrival.
Sheriff Chad Bianco posted a brief statement to X writing, “With immense sadness & a heavy heart, I must report that the Riverside County Sheriff's Office has lost another deputy in a line of duty death. Deputy Timothy Corlew, assigned to Jurupa Valley Sheriff’s Stn, was involved in an on-duty traffic accident on 1/8/25.”
With immense sadness & a heavy heart, I must report that the Riverside County Sheriff's Office has lost another deputy in a line of duty death. Deputy Timothy Corlew, assigned to Jurupa Valley Sheriff’s Stn, was involved in an on-duty traffic accident on 1/8/25
— Riverside County Sheriff (@RSO) January 8, 2025
-Sheriff Bianco pic.twitter.com/RZxTGFwrGC
The driver of the Lexus was treated for minor injuries as well, and the occupant of the Hyundai was uninjured.
Riverside office spokesman, Officer Javier Navarro of the California Highway Patrol’s Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team told the outlet that it is “unlikely any criminal charges will be coming out of this down the road, based on what we know right now.” However, he added that the team is continuing to investigate the incident.
"We extend our deepest sympathy to the family of Deputy Timothy Corlew,'' a sheriff's department statement said per ABC7. "Please continue to pray for his wife, two sons and the men and women of the Riverside County Sheriff's Office as we grieve this loss.''
Officer Down Memorial Page reported that Corlew is survived by his wife and two children. A fundraising effort for the Corlew family has been launched on HelpaHero.com by the Riverside County Deputy Sheriff Relief Foundation and has amassed over $8,000 as of this report.
The foundation wrote in part, “It is with heavy hearts that we share the loss of Motor Deputy Timothy Corlew, a dedicated member of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty on January 8, 2025. Deputy Corlew’s commitment to serving and protecting our community has left an indelible mark, and his loss is profoundly felt by his colleagues, friends, and the community he so passionately served.”
According to the statement, Corlew was with the Sheriff’s Office for approximately 8 years beginning in 2016.
“Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a meaningful impact and serve as a testament to the gratitude and respect we hold for Deputy Corlew’s service and sacrifice,” the foundation added, “Together, let us stand in solidarity with the Corlew family and ensure they feel the unwavering support of the community Deputy Corlew so faithfully served.”
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