Tragedy struck Palm Desert early yesterday morning when a high-speed crash claimed the lives of two individuals. The Riverside County Sheriff's Department reported that the fatal single-vehicle accident happened at the intersection of Painters Path and Fred Waring Drive around 6 a.m. The driver, who was found with major injuries, died at the scene while the passenger succumbed to their injuries after being transported to a hospital, according to the sheriff's press release.

The initial investigation suggests that speed was a major contributor to the deadly outcome. The car was moving at a high rate of speed, and it appears the driver did not halt at the intersection before colliding with a brick wall, Sergeant Don Olson, a reporting deputy shared the findings. Despite the gravity of the situation, the identity of the victims is kept anonymous, pending notification of next of kin.

Officials suspect that intoxicants may have played a role in the accident. “Evidence located at the scene indicated the driver of the vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed, westbound on Fred Waring Drive. It did not stop at the intersection of Painters Path before colliding with a brick wall. Further evidence at the scene indicated drugs/alcohol are likely a factor in this collision,” noted the sheriff's press release. As the Palm Desert Traffic Team continues their comprehensive investigation, they are urging anyone with information to come forward.

Following the incident, the collision forced authorities to close off the area for several hours, causing interruptions throughout the vicinity. The roadways have since been reopened to the public. Deputy Paul Abrego is accepting tips, as community members with knowledge that could aid the investigation can contact the Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station or choose to remain confidential by reaching out to Crime Stoppers or through wetip.com.