Bay Area Deputy Found Dead After Possible Fall From Horse

BAY AREA, CA — A North Bay community is coming together to rally around the family of a correctional deputy who died after a possible fall from a horse, authorities announced.

Fire personnel responded to a medical aid call around 6:50 p.m. Thursday in the 4000 block of Taylor Avenue in Santa Rosa, according to the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office.

They found Kylee Johnson, 22, an off-duty deputy with the sheriff's office, who had apparently fallen from her horse, sheriff's Sgt. Juan Valencia said. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

"At this time, it is unclear whether the fall was the cause of her passing or if a medical event occurred," Valencia said. "The exact cause of death remains under investigation."

Johnson, who was born and raised in Sonoma County, had been a member of the sheriff's office since June 2024.

She attended Santa Rosa High School, where she was an active member of 4-H and Future Farmers of America, according to a fundraising page established by the Peace Officers Research Association of California. She showed livestock at the state and national levels. She loved her horse, her race car and spending time with her niece and nephew, according to the association.

"Kylee was a dedicated and caring individual, who was known at work as a 'Rockstar,' always willing to go above and beyond to help others," the fundraiser read. "Kylee always had a smile on her face and made work a better place when she was on-duty."

Following her death, Johnson's body was escorted to the Sonoma County Coroner's Office in a procession of patrol vehicles with emergency lights activated, honoring her dedication to the sheriff's office and the people of Sonoma County.

An autopsy will be conducted to determine her cause of death.

"This tragic loss is felt deeply by the sheriff's office, Correctional Deputy Johnson's loved ones, and the entire Sonoma County community," Valencia said. "We ask for your compassion, patience and support as we grieve together. Please keep her family, friends and colleagues in your thoughts during this difficult time."