Coroner IDs Lake Elsinore Man Killed By Suspected DUI Driver

LAKE ELSINORE, CA — A 57-year-old Lake Elsinore man was identified over the weekend after he was left to die on state Route 74 after being struck by a motorist who was allegedly driving under the influence.

Desmond Gallagher was pronounced dead at the scene minutes after the 9:27 p.m. Sept. 5 incident, according to the coroner's bureau.

A preliminary report from the California Highway Patrol stated that Mitzi Christina Reagers was heading west on state Route 74 in Lake Elsinore, just west of Ardenwood Way on the east side of Interstate 15, when she hit Gallagher, who was pushing a shopping cart on the highway's shoulder, the CHP reported.

Just before the impact, Reagers was driving her 2018 Nissan Versa at about 45-50 mph and made "an unsafe turning movement" toward the victim, according to the CHP.

Reagers struck the man from behind and fled, the agency said.

When first responders arrived, they pronounced the victim dead at the scene.

Based on evidence and assistance from the sheriff's department, Reagers was found at a home in Lake Elsinore. Jail records show she was arrested just before midnight on Ocotillo Drive.

Reagers was booked into Southwest Detention Center on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and hit-and-run causing death. She posted a $75,000 bail bond and was released from custody on Friday.

As of Monday morning, formal charges have not been filed against Reagers.

The CHP Temecula Area office is conducting the crash investigation. Witnesses who may have information about the incident are asked to contact the agency at 951-466-4300.