Deadly ATV Crash Prompts Helmet Reminder

The coroner’s office is reporting the death of a 21-year-old man, whose tragic end serves as a reminder to off-road enthusiasts.

Sergio Hernandez of Indio died Sunday night after crashing an ATV in the open desert, the Riverside County Coroner’s Office reported.

The crash occurred shortly after 7 p.m. Sunday near Coachella Canal Road in Mecca.

Hernandez was pronounced dead shortly after the crash at 7:32 p.m. and he was not wearing a helmet, the coroner’s office reported.

According to the office, Hernandez lost control of the ATV and struck a dirt hillside.

According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, "no person ... shall operate, ride, or be otherwise propelled on an all-terrain vehicle on public lands unless the person wears a safety helmet ..."