Alochol Suspected in Bob Hope Drive Crash That Left 52-Year-Old Dead; Witnesses Sought

Authorities are seeking to speak with anyone who may have witnessed a suspected alcohol-fueled crash Saturday on Bob Hope and Dinah Shore drives in Rancho Mirage that left a 52-year-old man dead.

Just after 9 a.m., Rancho Mirage sheriff's deputies responded to the solo-vehicle wreck that forced the closure of the roadway for three hours, Sgt. Dan Devinny said in a news release.

Traffic investigators determined that the man had been driving a 2000 Lexus SUV northbound on Bob Hope when his vehicle veered to the right and struck a high voltage power pole before overturning several times, according to the sergeant.

“The vehicle came to rest on the raised center median and became engulfed in flames,” Devinny said.

The man was reportedly pulled from the vehicle by passers-by, then transported by ambulance to a local hospital.

The victim, whose identity was not immediately released, succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at 11:30 a.m., Devinny said.

Authorities believe alcohol was a factor in the crash.

Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or who may have information was asked to contact sheriff's Deputy Ubaldo Navarro of the Palm Desert Police Department at 760-836-1600.