Two people are dead and a third person remains in critical condition after fatal off-road crash Friday night near the Rowher Flats OHV Park in Agua Dulce.
Terris Walter, 23, of Lancaster; Daniel Rossiter, 23, of Santa Clarita; and Madeline Rossiter, 19, of Santa Clarita, were reported missing around 9:30 p.m. Friday, according to a CHP report.
Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station Search and Rescue and Los Angeles County Fire Department officials “were actively conducting a search for the parties when the collision scene was spotted from the air by a helicopter, prompting the response from CHP,” according to a CHP report.
Maddie Rossiter, Terris Walter
California Highway Patrol officials were called to the Rowher Flats Recreation Area for a report of a traffic collision Saturday morning around 8:10 a.m.
Walter was pronounced dead at the scene, according to CHP and Coroner’s officials. Daniel Rossiter and Madeline Rossiter were both treated on scene for their injuries and were transported with major injuries to Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital by helicopter.
“Madeline Rossiter later succumbed to her injuries while in emergency surgery,” according to the report and Coroner’s officials. “Daniel Rossiter remains in critical condition.”
Daniel Rossiter
Around 8:55 p.m. Friday, “Daniel Rossiter was driving the 1989 Suzuki Side Kick on the off road trails in the Rowher Flats OHV,” according to the report. “For unknown reasons at this time, (Daniel) Rossiter failed to negotiate a turn on the trail and drove over the steep embankment east of the trail, rolling the vehicle numerous times, coming to rest approximately 1000 feet below the trail. Terris Walters sustained fatal injuries and remained in the right rear passenger seat.”
Officials say alcohol or drugs do not appear to be a factor at this time. This collision remains under investigation by CHP.
Yes I Can officials are hosting a vigil for Madeline Rossiter on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at Canyon Country Park, according to friends.
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138 Comments
Prayers for the Families. Deepest condolences.
This is becoming far too regular out there. Condolences to all involved.
Jeff Shoemaker
prayers for family. they really should lock the gate. too many fatalities up there.
They should lock the gate? Really? No it’s because these kinds of people don’t pay attention to the posted speed limit signs on the roads entering the area. People need to be more smart when driving roads with terrain like that. It’s terrible that two people passed away but the driver needs to be more responsible.
Exactly. Closing an area because someone isn’t cautious when negotiating terrain and killing themselves is like closing down the freeways because of accidents that kill people. I’m sorry for the families and God speed to those that have passed… Let’s leave it at that..
Tory Miron
Jessica Sheehan
Jessica Sheehan
Chris Cline
Scary…
Chris Cline
Scary…
So sad. Prayers to their families. RIP
Rip
So sad
So sorry
Hate to hear that! Rip
_()_
So sad rip angels
?? sad
Maddie Rossiter??
RIP ?
Prayers to the families
Such a waste of young lives. Prayers.
Horrible news !!
That’s a shame. We go up there all the time.
Prayers for the family ??
Young babies now gone?. Prayers to their families ??
prayers n thoughts for this family lord i ask that u comfort them in their time of need amen
What a horrifying accident. My deepest condolences to the families & friends. Prayers for all. Praying for strength & healing for the young man that is fighting for his life. Amen ?
Prayers for all involved.
My heart goes out to their family! I will say a prayer tonight!
So sorry for your family Mary Rett Keane-Lane! You’re all in my thoughts!
Prayors to Danial ???
Too many young people in the past weeks RIP many prayers for family and friends in this difficult time
We must close that area. Unsafe conditions. Tired of seeing friends and family losing lives. It ain’t worth it. Please close it Michel Antonivich
Yes people have died there but there is also a speed limit of 20 going up to stage 1 from sierra hwy. If they were being responsible drivers (not saying they werent) then this problem wouldnt happen as often. If anything, guard rails should be installed. Not shut the whole place down.
It needs to be shut down NOW and have LA county to say it’s safe!!! Wtf
Derek. When you lose someone there I will grieve. Only professionals need to play and the county is responsible. I been around since 1965. What about you.
Jeez. Leave our riding areas alone. I’ve been riding up there since the mid 60’s and knew it when you could ride from the wash up Texas cyn. Most deaths up there are to people doing something that puts them at risk. Are you going to shut the freeways and highways down too? People die on the road all the time…
I’ve off-roaded there probably 100 times, and I have friends that off road there all the time. This is a tragedy, but that doesn’t mean we should completely close it off to the public, especially if we don’t have all the information about the accident.
It needs to be reviewed and rules to keep the unprofessional drivers off. That what I’m saying.
U guys been there a hundred times. What about those young and dumb who don’t know the difference , who protecting them. YOU?
These poor families are going to be hurting right now. Placing blame publicly tonight is totally inappropriate.
It will affect Santa Clarita and Lancaster ca. Our loss.
Thank you Greg. It was my niece who passed away and nephew who is in critical condition. The discussion about the area needs to happen but it can wait. My sister’s family shouldn’t have to deal with that right now too
Do not close it. Enough of our lands are closed because of a few irresponsible people. Blame lies with the people who were tradgicly killed. You play you pay. Slow down and be responsible. Getting drunk and going 60 mph on a 20 mph road is not the roads fault and shouldn’t change my freedom to go offroading in a prepared vehicle made to do it. Quit sniveling and mabey you should close the streets and freeways bcuz drunk drivers are killing people there??
That’s like saying spoons make me fat.
Closing it is not the answer. Most exciting (and therefore fun) activities come with a certain element of danger. Should scuba diving be outlawed because people have died doing it? Or skydiving? No. I’m sad for these kids families. But they evidently pushed it too far. But that doesn’t mean we should take away the fun that so many have there on a daily bases.
People die on the I-5 freeway. Should we close it?
Close it? You are kidding me. I’m sorry about the kids but calling for closing the area is ridiculous. Focus on the tragedy and not restricting open areas that tons of people enjoy.
Close it? You are kidding me. I’m sorry about the kids but calling for closing the area is ridiculous. Focus on the tragedy and not restricting open areas that tons of people enjoy.
Some times it takes an idea to open up discussions. Closing it would save lives and there are people who would agree and those opposed. It’s the ideas of the opposed that I do Agree! Stricter regulation, close at sunset, better enforcement, etc can keep the recreation open. In reality it not going to close but sometimes it takes an idea to get opinions out and how to make it a safer place to play. Happy Sunday everyone and stay safe.
Some times it takes an idea to open up discussions. Closing it would save lives and there are people who would agree and those opposed. It’s the ideas of the opposed that I do Agree! Stricter regulation, close at sunset, better enforcement, etc can keep the recreation open. In reality it not going to close but sometimes it takes an idea to get opinions out and how to make it a safer place to play. Happy Sunday everyone and stay safe.
you honestly think closing places like this is the best idea. You can die tomorrow crossing the street like that boy on his skateboard 2 weeks ago. Death happens around every curve the way I see it. Live the life you love and regret nothing because you never know which will be your last breath. And if we keep closing places like lacr rowher flats jaw bone Texas canyon than what’s to stop people from just sitting at home doing drugs?? Getting into trouble and entering your homes without permission. If people wanna drive or ride they were in the right spot but made a mistake. Could happen to anyone people geeze.
you honestly think closing places like this is the best idea. You can die tomorrow crossing the street like that boy on his skateboard 2 weeks ago. Death happens around every curve the way I see it. Live the life you love and regret nothing because you never know which will be your last breath. And if we keep closing places like lacr rowher flats jaw bone Texas canyon than what’s to stop people from just sitting at home doing drugs?? Getting into trouble and entering your homes without permission. If people wanna drive or ride they were in the right spot but made a mistake. Could happen to anyone people geeze.
Eric Mrantz, your view on saving lives is misguided if you think closing down an off-road area will help. These places are available so that off-road vehicles can be enjoyed there. Instead of taking them onto the streets and endangering more lives. Like what has already been stated above you can die from doing just about nothing. I would much rather go out the way this young lady did than to be killed in a freeway accident or held up in a convenient store. If you want to help save lives become a cop.
PEOPLE. CAN YOU PUT A STOP TO THE CLOSE IT/DON’T CLOSE IT BACK AND FORTH YAPPING FOR NOW. A lovely family just lost their daughter, and have a boy in Critical Condition. Can you all just take a beat before announcing exactly what must be done, and instead send this family Prayers or Positive thoughts and energy? You all must live in the area; these are your neighbors. Can’t you show any compassion at all? Jeez!
I grew up with mom and devastated Sorry for making comment. Very emotional?
Michaele Clark Pittman what’s your opinion
It’s never easy losing our young or any one for that matter. Especially, if we can prevent it. That’s our job as communities members. I completely understand your emotions on this Eric Mrantz. I say it’s always best to weigh the elements of statistics here. Does this particular roadway pose a threat to drivers? If yes… take precautions to save our less experienced and younger drivers whom are more likely to make mistakes on these type of roads. How about better road railing and/or marked better to prevent such a terrible mistake? We are all vulnerable to making bad judgement calls. The goal is to aid this matter from ever happening again. If this road has no side railing preventing a vehicle from plunging to its death — then maybe — it is time to observe its conditions preventing this from happening again. Maybe now is time to ask these questions. It always takes a tragedy unfortunately. These younger adults were vulnerable obviously on a dangerous roadway. It could happen to anyone. The question is does the community ignore it or do something about it.
It’s never easy losing our young or any one for that matter. Especially, if we can prevent it. That’s our job as communities members. I completely understand your emotions on this Eric Mrantz. I say it’s always best to weigh the elements of statistics here. Does this particular roadway pose a threat to drivers? If yes… take precautions to save our less experienced and younger drivers whom are more likely to make mistakes on these type of roads. How about better road railing and/or marked better to prevent such a terrible mistake? We are all vulnerable to making bad judgement calls. The goal is to aid this matter from ever happening again. If this road has no side railing preventing a vehicle from plunging to its death — then maybe — it is time to observe its conditions preventing this from happening again. Maybe now is time to ask these questions. It always takes a tragedy unfortunately. These younger adults were vulnerable obviously on a dangerous roadway. It could happen to anyone. The question is does the community ignore it or do something about it.
Candlelight-vigilA candlelight vigil was held for Santa Clarita teen Madeline “Maddie” Rossiter Saturday evening at Canyon Country Park in Canyon Country.
Maddie Rossiter, 19, her brother Daniel Rossiter, 23, of Santa Clarita, and Terris Walter, 23, of Lancaster, were involved in a fatal off-road crash near Rowher Flats in Agua Dulce on Friday night.
Walter was pronounced dead at the scene, according to CHP and Coroner’s officials.
Maddie Rossiter, nicknamed “Mads,” and her brother Daniel Rossiter were both treated on scene for their injuries and were transported with major injuries to Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Friday.
Maddie Rossiter later died from her injuries during emergency surgery on Saturday and her brother was last reported in critical condition.
Maddie Rossiter helped students with Asperger’s syndrome and autism at Canyon High School in the “Yes I Can” program.
Steven McLean, who is the parent to a special needs student in the Yes I Can program as well as the current chief of police in Santa Paula, described Rossiter as a “superstar.”
“What a tremendous blessing to have Maddie come into our lives. I hope people will use this tragedy as motivation to come together to honor Maddie,” said McLean. “This is really devastating for the Yes I Can kids, you can’t replace Maddie. She was almost like a mother to the kids in Yes I Can. She put together slumber parties for them and even curled my daughter’s hair and told her how pretty she was.”
Candlelight-vigil2McLean was in the Yes I Can program 40 years ago at Canyon High School. “I didn’t have anyone like Maddie. She was smart, wise beyond her years and she was going to excel.”
Maddie Rossiter knew her calling at 17 years old, said McLean, “she wanted to go back to Canyon High School and be a teacher for special needs kids.”
“She came to Canyon High School once a week to see and help the special needs kids,” said Lisa Lamedman, an English teacher for special education students at Canyon High School.
There was a common theme about Rossiter at the candlelight vigil.
“Maddie lit up any room she went in and she stood up for anyone,” said a friend of Rossiter, who asked to not be named. “She just made you happy, her hugs made everything better. She was an angel.”
“No one ever had anything bad to say about Maddie,” said Cole Mears, a friend of Rossiter.
Rossiter was going to California State University, Channel Islands and had just completed her first year, according to Lamedman.
The collision remains under investigation by CHP, however officials say alcohol or drugs do not appear to be a factor.
This is the most ignorant comment I have read
So so sorry ️prayers for the families ❤️
I am so sorry for the friends and family. I only met Terris once, but i heard great things about him from his girlfriend. I am so sorry for these losses and so sorry these families have to feel this pain. My heart goes out to these two families.
Prayers to all the familys to the loved ones
So so sad. My condolences to the friends and family.
I’m so sorry for your loss .
More guard rails?
?????????
Prayers
I am so sorry Our thoughts & prayers are with you & your family
Got to close it so our youth stays out. Let the pros get permits.
Or maybe you should know where your youth is.
Or maybe you should know where your youth is.
These were Aldults sir.
These were Aldults sir.
We have already lost enough public space due to knee jerk reactions like closing this area. Forrester rangers should be clearing the area before sunset and closing the access gate daily to prevent these kinds of things from happening.
We have already lost enough public space due to knee jerk reactions like closing this area. Forrester rangers should be clearing the area before sunset and closing the access gate daily to prevent these kinds of things from happening.
Exactly, Then your point is invalid.
Than the adults should be more ressponisible right?? No!! Accidents happen and closing down an area where sage family’s and friends go to ride and off road your kidding me why don’t we all just run around in fully padded gear while we are at it I have. Lost 6 friends in rowher its not fun but its not like were trying to shut the place down there is a solution to everything you can’t close down LA when a thug shoots a friend now can you stop being ignorant if parents don’t want there kids going than maybe they should keep tabs on there children
RIP MADS
I MISS YUOUUUUU
No way RIP
No way RIP
They NEED to shut this place down!!!! So many lives have been lost here. :(
So sorry for our classmate Mary Jo and the loss of her beautiful daughter.?? her son Daniel makes a full recovery. Also prayers to the other boys family as well.
Gabi Crosby Farrar this is one of JD’s girlfriends best friends. Praying for the family.
Donneta Smallwood give JD girlfriend our condolences. So sad
Donneta Smallwood can’t miss JD in this picture.
Donneta Smallwood can’t miss JD in this picture.
Prayers for the families
So sad.
Rest peacefully Terris Walter. Our family has lost another young man way too soon. Our whole family thanks everyone for your prayers.
My deepest condolences for your loss.
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Deepest condolences.
Our peeps from our generation are dropping slowly n so young with potential to keep building their life’s only God has his reason may you angels rest in peace n my condolences go out to their family and friends
Tragic – so young so very sad
Tragic. .Prayers
So young.. So sad?my prayed go out to the families?
So sad..years ago we got stuck up there and have never been back since….My condolences to the families.
Jerry, I am so sorry for your family’s loss. We will be praying for your son. Be strong, brother!
I agree…at least close at sunset…RF is xtreme danger due to steep dropoffs even during the day…
They are supposed to but no enforcement close the gate
Our prayers to the families
Nikki Yakel
So sad. Too many losses of young people. May they rest in peace. Prayers for their families. Prayers for the young man in critical condition.
Such a daddy now ??
Amen
Amen
Couldn’t agree more.
Couldn’t agree more.
Prayers & loving thoughts are with family members.
My husband & I happened to be @ the ER when this took place yesterday afternoon. It hit us hard, as husband/wife as well as parents of 2 young adults. We came away realizing how precious life really is & to never let a day go by without telling loved ones how much they’re loved & needed. God Bless you all.?
? for the families
Prayers for the families…..so sad.
So tragic, prayers for family and friends
Prayers
God bless them and their families!
They need to enforce NO night time off roading in that area!!!!!
So very sorry to hear of the loss of two promising young lives. Sending love & prayers for their families and for the young man who survived. ?
lock the gate at night is all I was saying. no reason to be up there in the dark. very rocky and dangerous. and by the way I am an off road enthusiast myself. please don’t let this loss of life go in vain.
Rest forever peacefully with the angels and the rest of our angel family Terris aka Terry. <3 cousin Kristi
No way… I knew Madeline. I had class with her my senior year. This doesn’t feel like it’s real
No way… I knew Madeline. I had class with her my senior year. This doesn’t feel like it’s real
Do the Rossitors have ties to Burbank??
Yes
So sad. Jerry or Tommy? Knew Ron back in the day.
So sorry for your losses. May the Angels guide them to paradise.
Beyond heartbreaking? Beautiful
Beyond heartbreaking ? ??
Horrible accident. Prayers for their soul rest in peace and for their families that they find strength in God.
Trevor Gothie Dylan C Rutledge
Okay here is the reality everyone. This was not at staging Area 1. It was on a DOUBLE BLACK DIAMOND trail. The trail is clearly posted as a extremely advanced trail, so if you don’t know what black diamond is, you can still understand. These kids, and this vehicle (under powered) should never have been on that trail. As for the other crashes, they had alcohol and drugs involved. So keep blaming the trail, apparently you need to blam something besides yourself in everything in your life. My prayers are with these two families, and especially with the lone servivor.
Thank you Candice. And like you said everyone has to blame someone or something for their stupidity….
God bless the family and their angels
Lord give the family peace in this time of pain bless the family Lord
I’ve been reading about rowher flats accident and I found this. Zac and Kriss are right tho,the rode shouldn’t be close only because irresponsible drivers. I took my jeep to rowher 3 weeks ago with my wife and 2 kids, there was a trail that I did not feel comfortable climbing with my family in the vehicle so for that I told them to get off the car and I’ll do the climb,my point is-is just a matter of being responsible-smart driver and know your limits and abilities of your vehicle.