California deputy charged after crash killed 21-year-old groom-to-be and left his fiancée with life-altering injuries

A California sheriff’s deputy is facing charges in connection with his role in a September 2025 crash in Beaumont that killed 21-year-old Gavin Hinkley and left his 20-year-old fiancée, Madeline Fox, with severe, life-altering injuries. The couple was only weeks away from their wedding, and their families now say their lives have been irreparably “shattered.”

According to CNN, Riverside County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Glynn Wilburn, 42, sped through a red light and struck Hinkley’s vehicle while the couple was out running errands in their city. Wilburn was reportedly responding to a shots-fired call. However, dispatch records indicated that other officers had already responded to the incident.

Prosecutors are considering additional charges

Now, nine months after the crash, Wilburn has been charged with vehicular manslaughter and felony reckless driving causing serious injury. Prosecutors are also reportedly considering additional charges because of the extent of the injuries suffered by the victims.

District Attorney Michael Hestrin, who is handling the case, said, “Wilburn was responding with lights and sirens from Beaumont to reports of shots fired in Calimesa.” Hestrin continued, “While traveling on Cherry Valley Boulevard at speeds of approximately 100 mph, Wilburn entered an intersection and collided with a civilian vehicle at approximately 71 mph.”

Prosecutors now allege that Wilburn drove recklessly, causing the death of one victim and catastrophic injuries to another, which “caused the victim to become comatose due to brain injury or to suffer paralysis of a permanent nature.”

According to a report by the California Highway Patrol, Wilburn’s emergency lights and sirens were activated when he entered the intersection and ultimately caused the crash. The report also provided additional details about Wilburn, noting that he suffered substantial injuries to his arm, leg, neck, and head. The CHP further confirmed that Wilburn was not wearing a seatbelt while responding to the call.

The family shared their love story

The families have since grieved publicly by sharing the love story that began when Gavin and Madeline were both 18 years old. In a joint statement, the families said, “From that moment on, they were rarely apart, spending their days riding horses and dirt bikes, off-roading, taking trips to the beach and river, and making cherished memories with family and friends.”

District Attorney Hestrin also said that when cases involving law enforcement officers arise, his office “have a responsibility to carefully evaluate the circumstances unique to that role.” Hestrin said his goal is to ensure that legal standards governing emergency vehicle operations are maintained by first responders.

Madeline’s parents said, “What happened to Gavin and Madeline was preventable. Riverside County Sheriff’s Deputy Glynn Wilburn was entrusted with significant authority and responsibility, and he understood the obligations that come with operating an emergency vehicle.”

The families have also filed a separate civil lawsuit against Wilburn, Riverside County, and the cities of Beaumont and Calimesa. They allege that the intersection was dangerously designed and that emergency responders mishandled the aftermath of the crash by prioritizing Wilburn’s treatment and transportation over that of the couple.

In the families’ joint statement, they said they will continue seeking justice because “Gavin and Madeline deserved the opportunity to build the life they had planned together.”