According to a preliminary police investigation, the vehicle was heading eastbound on Menlo Avenue when the pedestrian was struck, and the search for the driver continues.
HEMET, CA - November 4, 2026
A 44-year-old pedestrian, identified as Donna Risner, died after being struck in a hit-and-run crash near State Street and Menlo Avenue in Hemet, California. Police said the crash happened just before midnight on Halloween night, and officers are searching for the driver.
Key Facts
- Date: Halloween night, October 31, 2026
- Location: Intersection of State Street and Menlo Avenue, Hemet, Riverside County, California
- Type of crash: Hit-and-run involving a pedestrian
- Vehicles involved: Vehicle type not reported
- Injuries / fatalities: One fatality
- Responding agencies: Hemet police; Riverside County Sheriff's Office
- Reported by: CBS News
Crash Overview
Officials said the incident unfolded at the State Street and Menlo Avenue intersection in Hemet, a little before midnight. When officers arrived, they found the pedestrian unresponsive in the street. Officers began lifesaving efforts until medical personnel arrived, but police said the pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene.
Based on an early review, police believe a driver heading east on Menlo Avenue toward State Street struck the pedestrian after the pedestrian had entered the roadway. This account is preliminary and has not been confirmed as a final finding.
Officers shut down the stretch of Menlo Avenue running from Alessandro Street to State Street for a number of hours while the investigation got underway. Police are still looking for the driver and have asked anyone with more information to come forward.
People Involved
Donna Risner, 44, was the pedestrian in the crash. The Riverside County Sheriff's Office Coroner identified her, according to CBS News. Police said she was pronounced dead at the scene.