A young California boy has died in a sledding accident outside Palm Springs that authorities are calling "an absolute tragedy."
The boy, identified as seven-year-old Michael Rigg of Beaumont, died after sledding into a moving van in Pine Cove on Sunday afternoon, according to the California Highway Patrol. According to The Desert Sun, Rigg was sledding down a driveway when he crossed into the road and was hit by a Ford passenger van.
He slid under the van and sustained major injuries.
"This is an absolute tragedy and one that could have been prevented," a CHP spokesperson told the paper. "The California Highway Patrol would like to remind anyone visiting our mountain communities to never sled on active roadways and to always be aware of your surroundings."
The driver stopped and helped take the boy to a nearby CAL FIRE station.
He was pronounced dead a short time later.
The incident remains under investigation, however, officials have ruled drugs and alcohol out as a contributing factor.
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