On the morning of January 8, 2025, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office was struck by tragedy with the announcement of the death of one of its deputies, Timothy Corlew, in a line-of-duty accident. The incident occurred early in the morning, casting a somber shadow over the community and the law enforcement family of Riverside County.
Deputy Timothy Corlew, who served with distinction at the Jurupa Valley Sheriff’s Station, was involved in a fatal traffic collision on the westbound lanes of the 91 Freeway near La Sierra Avenue. The call came in at around 5:36 a.m., alerting emergency services to a crash involving a motorcycle, later identified to be ridden by Deputy Corlew.
First responders arrived promptly, finding the deputy in critical condition. They initiated CPR at the scene in an attempt to save his life. He was then transported with urgency to Riverside Community Hospital. Despite the medical team's best efforts, Deputy Corlew was pronounced dead at the hospital, leaving behind a void felt deeply by all who knew him.
The exact cause of this devastating crash is yet to be determined, with the California Highway Patrol’s Riverside office taking charge of the investigation. They are meticulously piecing together the events that led to this accident, examining factors like road conditions, vehicle maintenance, and potential third-party involvement. The community and law enforcement are awaiting the findings, hoping for clarity and accountability where possible.
Deputy Corlew was known among his peers for his commitment to service and his ability to connect with the community. His loss is not just felt by his immediate family but by the broader community he served. The Sheriff's Office has expressed deep sorrow over this incident, emphasizing the personal and professional impact of losing such a dedicated officer.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office has mourned this loss publicly, with Sheriff Chad Bianco and his team extending their deepest condolences to Deputy Corlew’s family, friends, and fellow officers. In times like these, the unity of the community and the law enforcement family is palpable, as they rally to support one another through the shared grief and loss.
Memorials and tributes have begun to pour in from local residents, other law enforcement agencies, and public officials, highlighting Corlew’s contributions and the void his absence creates. Plans for honoring his memory, possibly through a memorial service or other commemorative acts, are in the early stages, with details expected to be released once finalized.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on understanding the circumstances of this tragedy while also remembering and celebrating the life of Deputy Timothy Corlew. His dedication, service, and sacrifice will not be forgotten, and as the community mourns, there is a collective resolve to honor his memory in meaningful ways.
In this time of mourning, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office stands not only as a beacon of law enforcement but as a community grieving one of its own, promising to never forget the service and the ultimate sacrifice of Deputy Timothy Corlew.
