Fundraiser For Fallen Riverside County Sheriff's Deputy Underway

RIVERSIDE, CA —A fundraising campaign in support of the family of an off-duty Riverside County sheriff's deputy killed in a motorcycle crash in Riverside was underway Thursday.

Deputy Andrew Davidson, 23, of Riverside was fatally injured about 8:40 a.m. Monday at Van Buren Boulevard, near California Avenue.

Loved ones of the deceased lawman initiated a GoFundMe campaign to generate money to cover funeral expenses. The goal is $20,000. By Thursday midday, nearly $2,000 had been raised.

Funeral arrangements for the deputy were pending.

Riverside police spokesman Officer Ryan Railsback said that Davidson was riding his 2020 Yamaha northbound on Van Buren in the No. 2 lane when he "collided with a 2007 Toyota Camry being driven by a 66-year-old (Riverside) man."

Railsback said the off-duty deputy was ejected onto the roadway, and his Yamaha caught fire, but bystanders quickly extinguished the flames.

Davidson was taken to a hospital, where he died within an hour, according to the police spokesman.

He said that the Toyota driver was taken to a separate hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

"We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Deputy Davidson," the sheriff's department said in a statement posted to social media.

Similar messages were posted by public safety agencies in the region, with RPD extending "thoughts and prayers (from) all of us to Deputy Davidson's family ... and everyone at the Riverside County Sheriff's Department."

The Corona Police Department said via Facebook that the agency was "saddened to hear about the death of Deputy Andrew Davidson ... (and) we extend our deepest sympathies to our brothers and sisters of the sheriff's department."

From the Menifee Police Department: "We send our prayers to the family and friends of Deputy Andrew Davidson during this difficult time."

The young man was hired in March 2022 and was assigned to the sheriff's Perris station.

To donate, visit: the GoFundMe page.