Corolla, North Carolina, August 12, 2025
News Summary
A wild stallion named Francisco was fatally struck by a vehicle in Corolla, North Carolina, highlighting the need for increased safety measures for wild horses. The Corolla Wild Horse Fund reported that Francisco suffered severe injuries during the incident. This marks the third such accident involving horses in the area this year, raising alarms about wildlife safety amidst growing tourist traffic. The organization urges visitors to maintain a safe distance from wild horses and adhere to traffic laws to prevent further tragedies.
Corolla, North Carolina – A wild stallion named Francisco was tragically struck and killed by a vehicle early Monday morning, August 11. The accident occurred around 5 a.m. in the 2000 block of Sandpiper Road, which is designated for off-road vehicles.
The Corolla Wild Horse Fund, responsible for the welfare of the wild horses in the area, reported the incident and stated that an investigation is underway in collaboration with the Currituck County Sheriff’s Office. The driver involved called 911 to report the accident.
Francisco, a 10-year-old stallion, led a family group consisting of four mares and two colts, one of which was a yearling and the other a 4-month-old. It remains unknown whether the colts belonged to Francisco or other stallions in the vicinity.
Injuries Sustained
Upon impact, Francisco suffered severe injuries which included a complete fracture of the radius and ulna, a ruptured eye along with periocular fractures, and fractured ribs causing subcutaneous emphysema. It is believed he may have had a ruptured diaphragm resulting in pneumoabdomen.
Frequency of Accidents
This incident marks the third occurrence of a horse being struck by a vehicle in Corolla this year. In a previous incident, another horse was reported to have survived but sustained non-life-threatening shoulder injuries. The frequency of these accidents raises concerns regarding the safety of the wild horse population, especially amid increasing tourism.
Safety Awareness and Recommendations
The Corolla Wild Horse Fund emphasizes the importance of adhering to traffic regulations to prevent such tragedies. The organization advises visitors to maintain a safe distance of at least 50 feet from wild horses, as approaching these animals is illegal in Currituck County. There is an ongoing effort to raise awareness among tourists about the safety of both the horses and the visitors.
Driving incidents involving wild horses are legally required to be reported. The driver involved in this case followed this protocol and reported the incident accordingly.
About the Corolla Wild Horse Fund
The Corolla Wild Horse Fund is dedicated to the health and safety of approximately 100 wild horses residing in the northern Outer Banks. The organization relies significantly on donations to support its efforts in protecting these animals. With the surge in tourism within the region, increased traffic has heightened concerns for the safety of the area’s wild horse population.
Conclusion
The tragic loss of Francisco serves as a reminder of the necessity for driver caution in areas populated with wildlife, particularly in regions experiencing high tourist traffic. The Corolla Wild Horse Fund continues to work diligently in protection and advocacy for the wild horses to ensure their safety in a changing environment.
FAQ
What happened to Francisco?
Francisco, a wild stallion, was struck and killed by a vehicle early on August 11 in Corolla, North Carolina.
What were Francisco’s injuries?
He sustained multiple severe injuries including a complete fracture of his radius and ulna, a ruptured eye, fractured ribs, and possibly a ruptured diaphragm.
How many times have horses been struck this year?
This incident marks the third case of a horse being struck by a vehicle in the Corolla area this year.
What safety measures are recommended for visitors?
Visitors are advised to stay at least 50 feet away from wild horses as approaching them is illegal. Additionally, obeying traffic regulations is emphasized to prevent accidents.
What is the role of the Corolla Wild Horse Fund?
The Corolla Wild Horse Fund is dedicated to the welfare and safety of the wild horses, providing support through donations and community awareness efforts.
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Additional Resources
- WAVY: Corolla Horse Killed in Crash
- Wikipedia: Wild Horse
- WNCT: Wild Horse in Corolla Killed
- Google Search: Corolla wild horses
- News Observer: Corolla Wild Horse Incident
- Google Scholar: Corolla wild horse
- CBS 17: Outer Banks Wild Horse Killed
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Corolla wild horses
- Pilot Online: OBX Horse DWI Death
- Google News: Corolla horse accident
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
