A Riverside County sheriff’s deputy has been charged in connection with a high-speed collision that killed a 21-year-old man and left his fiancée with a permanent traumatic brain injury.
The crash occurred on September 6, 2025, in Calimesa while Gavin Hinkley, 21, and Madeline Fox, 20, were preparing for their upcoming wedding.
According to investigators, Deputy Glynn Wilburn was responding to a reported shooting when his patrol SUV entered an intersection at nearly 100 mph and collided with the couple’s Tesla.
Hinkley died at the scene.
Fox survived but suffered catastrophic injuries, including severe brain trauma that attorneys say will require lifelong medical care.
Permanent Brain Injury After High-Speed Collision
Following the crash, Fox was placed in a coma and faced a lengthy recovery.
According to her attorneys, she had to relearn basic functions, including:
- Swallowing
- Eating independently
- Standing
- Walking
- Speaking
Her family reports that she continues to face permanent neurological impairments resulting from the traumatic brain injury.
Criminal Charges Filed
In June 2026, the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office charged the deputy with:
- Gross vehicular manslaughter
- Felony reckless driving causing serious injury
- Great bodily injury enhancement
Investigators concluded that the deputy entered the intersection against a red light and that his actions were a substantial factor in causing the collision.
Lawsuit Alleges Multiple Contributing Factors
The families have filed a civil lawsuit against several parties.
The lawsuit alleges:
- Excessive speed by the deputy
- Dangerous intersection conditions
- Obstructed sightlines caused by utility equipment
- Delays in emergency medical treatment
The suit also claims Fox’s brain injuries were worsened by delays in receiving critical care.
Rights After a Traumatic Brain Injury in California
When a traumatic brain injury is caused by negligence, California law may allow victims to pursue compensation.
Economic Damages
Victims may recover:
- Medical expenses
- Hospitalization costs
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Future medical care
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Life-care planning costs
Non-Economic Damages
Victims may also seek compensation for:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Cognitive impairment
- Loss of independence
- Reduced quality of life
Public Entity Liability
When a government employee causes a crash, liability may involve:
- California Government Code § 815.2 (public entity liability for employee negligence)
- California Government Code § 835 (dangerous condition of public property)
- California Vehicle Code § 21055 and § 21056, which govern emergency vehicle privileges and require officers to drive with due regard for the safety of others
Emergency responders are not automatically immune from liability simply because they are responding to a call.
Why Brain Injury Cases Are Different
Unlike many injuries, a traumatic brain injury can affect every aspect of a person’s life.
Victims may experience:
- Memory loss
- Speech difficulties
- Personality changes
- Cognitive deficits
- Physical disabilities
- Long-term dependence on caregivers
In severe cases, the need for treatment and assistance can continue for decades.
At Brain Injury Help Center
A traumatic brain injury can have lifelong consequences.
Whether the injury was caused by a negligent driver, commercial vehicle, dangerous roadway condition, defective product, or government agency, victims and families may have important legal rights.
Brain Injury Help Center helps victims pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, rehabilitation, future care needs, and other damages related to serious brain injuries.
Free consultations are available, regardless of immigration status.
