The late afternoon sun was still up over the rugged stretch of Cajon Pass when tragedy struck. Taylor Cole, a seven-time national skydiving champion, was riding his motorcycle along State Route 138 when his life was suddenly cut short in a violent hit-and-run crash.
Authorities say the collision happened around 5:20 p.m. on April 5, just east of Interstate 15. Cole, 45, who lived in Crestline, was traveling eastbound when his motorcycle became entangled in a crash involving a gold Chrysler minivan and a blue sedan. The impact was severe. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
What followed only deepened the heartbreak. The driver of the minivan did not stop. Instead, they fled, leaving behind a devastating scene and a community searching for answers. Law enforcement officers quickly began combing nearby areas and checking hospitals, hoping to track down the suspect. So far, no arrest has been made.
Investigators are now urging anyone who may have witnessed the crash to step forward. Even the smallest detail could help piece together what happened in those critical moments. For now, the case remains open, and the silence from the fleeing driver hangs heavy.
Beyond the crash site, the loss is deeply felt in the skydiving world. Cole was not just a competitor; he was a standout figure known for pushing limits and lifting others along the way. He built a reputation not only on wins but on mentorship and passion for the sport.
Friends describe a man who lived fully and fearlessly. He was a professional skydiver, a BASE jumper, a pilot, and someone drawn to anything that involved flight or freefall. Outside of extreme sports, he held a demanding role as Chief Technology Officer for a Navy research division, blending intellect with adventure in a way few could.
Those closest to him remember more than titles and achievements. They talk about his energy, his humor, and the way he made people feel welcome. A fundraising effort has now been launched to support funeral costs and help care for his daughter, as loved ones try to navigate life without him.
