Holly MatkinNuevo, CA – Riverside Police Department (RPD) Sergeant Matthew “Matt” Lewis died in an off-duty motorcycle crash on Monday night, according to police.
The 45-year-old officer was traveling northbound on Pico Avenue near Santa Rosa Road at approximately 7:15 a.m. on Aug. 1 when the driver of a southbound GMC Sierra pulling a trailer turned in front of him, the Los Angeles Times reported.
“The driver of the truck failed to yield to the motorcycle and turned left onto Santa Rosa Road crossing in front of the rider,” California Highway Patrol (CHP) Sergeant Scott Stoos said. “The rider collided onto the side of the truck, causing fatal injuries.”
Sgt. Lewis succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
The CHP’s investigation into the fatal crash remained ongoing, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Sgt. Lewis served the RPD for 25 years, KTLA reported.
“We are saddened by the tragic and sudden death of our brother, Riverside Police Sergeant Matt Lewis, who died in an off-duty motorcycle accident last night,” RPD Chief Larry Gonzalez said in a press release on Tuesday. “Matt grew up in Riverside and was a 25-year veteran at RPD where he excelled as a Cadet, Police Officer, Detective, and Sergeant working a variety of assignments.”
Chief Gonzalez said the veteran officer was highly regarded.
“He was well-liked and admired, not only by those he worked alongside with at our department, but throughout the law enforcement community,” the chief said. “More importantly, Matt was a family man who loved his four children and one grandchild dearly.”
“We hurt right now over this loss and ask our community to join us as we mourn Sergeant Lewis and support his grieving family in this immense time of need,” Chief Gonzalez wrote.
Sgt. Lewis will be laid to rest on Aug. 12, according to his obituary.
The Riverside Police Department is mourning the death of @RiversidePolice Sergeant Matt Lewis. He was killed in a motorcycle crash near Nuevo Monday night while off duty. pic.twitter.com/OXFDFDIBjV
— AlexVnews (@alexvnews) August 2, 2022
Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Sergeant Matt Lewis from the Riverside Police Department, who died last night in an off-duty motorcycle accident. pic.twitter.com/uNgUTrzjLX
— VVUSD-Police Department (@VVUSDPD) August 2, 2022
We send our prayers and condolences to the @RiversidePolice Department on the untimely passing of Sergeant Matt Lewis, who died in an off-duty motorcycle accident this week. We support his partners, friends and grieving family during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/cc6CSnNqY0
— Irwindale Police Department (@IrwindalePolice) August 4, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Riverside Police Department Sergeant Matthew “Matt” Lewis, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
Sandy Malone
