Corolla, NC, August 13, 2025
News Summary
A wild horse named Francisco was tragically killed after being struck by a vehicle in Corolla, NC. The Corolla Wild Horse Fund confirmed the incident, shedding light on the dangers wild horses face due to increased tourist traffic. Francisco was a 10-year-old stallion known for siring two colts. His death raises concerns for the safety of other wild horses and highlights the need for safe driving in the area. The Corolla Wild Horse Fund urges the public to observe traffic regulations to prevent future accidents and protect local wildlife.
Corolla, NC – The wild horse Francisco was tragically killed early Monday morning after being struck by a vehicle in Corolla, North Carolina. The accident occurred around 5 a.m. in the 2000 block of Sandpiper Road, located in the area popular for four-wheel-drive vehicles. A driver promptly reported the accident by dialing 911.
Following the collision, an examination revealed that Francisco, a 10-year-old stallion, sustained multiple severe injuries that proved fatal. These injuries included a complete fracture of both the radius and ulna, a ruptured eye accompanied by periocular fractures, fractured ribs resulting in subcutaneous emphysema, and a likely ruptured diaphragm with pneumoabdomen.
The Corolla Wild Horse Fund, the organization devoted to the protection and management of the wild horse population in the area, confirmed the incident. Luckily, the rest of Francisco’s harem is reportedly behaving normally and is not in danger. Francisco was known to have sired two colts, one yearling and another just four months old.
This tragic event highlights a growing concern for the safety of wild horses amid a rising number of tourists visiting the Outer Banks. Increased vehicle traffic in Corolla has raised alarms about potential collisions with local wildlife. The Corolla Wild Horse Fund has appealed to the public to drive cautiously and adhere to traffic regulations to mitigate the risk of future accidents.
Although the exact circumstances of the crash remain undisclosed, there is an ongoing concern regarding the interactions between vehicles and the wild horses, especially given the heavy tourist influx. Visitors in Currituck County are reminded that it is unlawful to approach within 50 feet of wild horses to ensure a safe distance and avoid disturbances.
On a positive note, the Corolla Wild Horse Fund has observed a trend where more tourists are following the guidelines regarding interactions with these iconic animals. Nevertheless, the organization continues to stress the importance of road safety as essential in preserving the well-being of the wild horse population.
As authorities continue to investigate the incident, no additional information has been released. The Currituck County Sheriff’s Office has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the incident.
FAQ Section
What happened to the wild horse Francisco?
Francisco was killed after being struck by a vehicle in Corolla, NC, early in the morning on Monday. He suffered multiple fatal injuries from the accident.
Where did the accident occur?
The accident took place in the 2000 block of Sandpiper Road, an area frequented by four-wheel-drive vehicles.
What injuries did Francisco suffer?
Francisco sustained a complete fracture of the radius and ulna, a ruptured eye with fractures, fractured ribs, and a likely ruptured diaphragm.
What is being done to ensure the safety of the remaining wild horses?
The Corolla Wild Horse Fund is advocating for careful driving and adherence to traffic regulations in the area to protect the wild horse population.
Is it legal to approach the wild horses in Currituck County?
No, it is unlawful to come within 50 feet of the wild horses in Currituck County.
What has the Corolla Wild Horse Fund observed about tourist behavior?
The organization has noted a trend of more tourists following guidelines for safe interaction with wild horses.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Incident Time | 5 a.m. on Monday |
| Location | 2000 block of Sandpiper Road, Corolla, NC |
| Injuries to Francisco | Complete fracture of the radius and ulna, ruptured eye, fractured ribs, likely ruptured diaphragm |
| Current Status of Harem | Behaving normally, no danger |
| Population Management | Corolla Wild Horse Fund |
| Legal Distance to Wild Horses | 50 feet |
| Visitor Guidance Update | More tourists are following interaction guidelines |
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Additional Resources
- Wyff4
- Wikipedia: Wild horses
- News Observer
- Google Search: Corolla Wild Horse Fund
- Pilot Online
- Google Scholar: Corolla wild horses
- Wavy
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wild horse
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.
