Corolla, N.C., August 12, 2025
News Summary
In Corolla, North Carolina, a wild stallion named Francisco was tragically killed after being struck by a vehicle. The accident, occurring early in the morning, resulted in severe injuries that were deemed fatal by a veterinarian. Francisco, a 10-year-old stallion, led a harem of mares and young colts. This incident marks the second wild horse death in the area this year, raising concerns about driver safety in regions populated by wild horses.
Corolla, N.C. – Wild Stallion Francisco Killed After Vehicle Accident
A wild stallion named Francisco was killed after being struck by a vehicle in Corolla, North Carolina, on August 11. The tragic incident occurred around 5 a.m. in the 2000 block of Sandpiper Road within the 4×4 area of Corolla. The Corolla Wild Horse Fund reported that a driver had called 911 to report the accident involving the horse.
Francisco, a 10-year-old stallion, sustained multiple severe injuries in the collision. A full examination revealed a complete fracture of the radius and ulna, a ruptured eye with accompanying periocular fractures, fractured ribs resulting in subcutaneous emphysema, and a likely ruptured diaphragm with pneumoabdomen. These injuries were confirmed to be fatal by the veterinarian associated with the wildlife fund.
Details surrounding the driver and the exact circumstances of the accident have not yet been disclosed. The Currituck Sheriff’s Office is currently conducting an investigation into the incident.
Francisco was known as a healthy stallion who led a harem of four mares and two young colts, a yearling and a four-month-old. The paternity of the colts remains unconfirmed, but reports indicate that the other horses in the harem are behaving normally following Francisco’s death.
In response to this incident, the Corolla Wild Horse Fund has reiterated the importance of cautious driving in areas populated with wild horses. The organization has emphasized that increased tourism in the Outer Banks has led to a higher number of vehicles in Corolla, heightening the risk of accidents involving the wild horse population.
To ensure the safety of both the horses and the public, the wildlife fund also urges individuals to maintain a distance of at least 50 feet from the wild horses, as approaching them can be dangerous and is against the law in Currituck County.
This tragic event marks the second instance this year where a wild horse has been killed in a vehicle accident in the area. In June, another stallion named Alexander was killed in a similar incident.
The Corolla Wild Horse Fund has a dedicated team consisting of approximately six full-time staff members and a dozen part-time workers who monitor the wild horse population in the region. These efforts aim to protect and preserve the wild horses that local communities cherish.
Summary of Key Information
- Incident: Wild stallion Francisco killed by vehicle
- Date: August 11
- Location: 2000 block of Sandpiper Road, Corolla, N.C.
- Injuries: Fractured radius, ulna, ribs; ruptured eye; likely ruptured diaphragm
- Investigator: Currituck Sheriff’s Office
- Wild Horse Fund Statement: Drivers urged to be cautious
- Associated Incidents: Second vehicle-related horse death this year
FAQs
What happened to the stallion Francisco?
Francisco was killed after being struck by a vehicle in Corolla, N.C. The accident occurred on August 11 and resulted in severe injuries that were confirmed to be fatal.
What kind of injuries did Francisco sustain?
Francisco sustained multiple life-threatening injuries, including fractures of the radius, ulna, ribs, and damage to his eye and diaphragm.
How many wild horses are monitored in Corolla?
The Corolla Wild Horse Fund has about six full-time staff members and a dozen part-time staff monitoring the wild horse population in the area.
What should drivers do to prevent accidents with wild horses?
Drivers are encouraged to be cautious and maintain a safe distance from wild horses, with a recommended distance of at least 50 feet.
Is it illegal to approach wild horses in Currituck County?
Yes, it is illegal to approach wild horses in Currituck County, and doing so can be dangerous.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Type | Vehicle struck a wild stallion |
| Stallion Name | Francisco |
| Age | 10 years |
| Date of Incident | August 11, 2023 |
| Location | Corolla, N.C. |
| Injuries | Fractured bones, ruptured eye, diaphragm damage |
| Investigator | Currituck Sheriff’s Office |
| Monitored By | Corolla Wild Horse Fund |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Surviving Wild Horse Struck by Vehicle in Carova, N.C.
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Duck, NC Warns Beachgoers About Dangers of Deep Sand Holes
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Additional Resources
- WAVY: Corolla Horse Killed in Crash
- Wikipedia: Corolla, North Carolina
- WNCT: Wild Horse in Corolla Killed
- Google Search: Corolla Wild Horse Fund
- 13 News Now: Horse Fatally Struck by Driver
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wild Horse
- CBS17: Outer Banks Wild Horse Hit and Killed
- Google News: Corolla Wild Horse Accident
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
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