A Tragic Loss for the Corolla Wild Horse Community
In the quiet early hours of Monday morning, tragedy struck on the sandy stretches of Sandfiddler Road in Currituck County. At approximately 5:00 a.m., Trevor Odell Belcher, of Greenville, Tennessee, was driving a 2010 Chevrolet along the unpaved road when his vehicle collided with a wild stallion known to locals and visitors alike—Francisco, a 10-year-old horse cherished by the Corolla Wild Horse Fund and the community. Francisco, who had spent his days grazing freely along the four-wheel-drive beach area, was crossing in the path of Belcher’s vehicle when the fatal collision occurred. Despite immediate efforts to report the incident and seek help, the stallion’s life could not be saved.
An Accident in the Dawn Hours
According to the Currituck County Sheriff’s Office, Belcher stopped immediately after the collision and called 911. His vehicle was rendered undrivable by the impact. Authorities confirmed that no drugs or alcohol were involved, and the driver was not charged. While it was an accident, the emotional toll on the community is immeasurable. Francisco was not just another horse—he was part of the identity of Corolla’s wild landscape, a living symbol of beauty, resilience, and history. His loss is being felt by wildlife advocates, locals, and visitors who have admired him over the years.
A Reminder to Protect the Wild Horses of Corolla
The Corolla Wild Horse Fund has issued a heartfelt reminder to all who travel through the area: drive slowly, stay alert, and follow traffic regulations on the four-wheel-drive beach. These wild horses have roamed the Outer Banks for centuries, and each one is irreplaceable. Francisco’s death serves as a painful wake-up call that even one moment of inattention—or simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time—can cost a precious life.
For those who have seen Francisco grazing in the dunes or standing proudly against the backdrop of the Atlantic, the road will feel emptier without him. His absence is a loss not only to the wild herd but to the spirit of Corolla itself. As the community grieves, many hope that his story will inspire safer driving practices and a deeper respect for the fragile, free beauty that these wild horses represent.
