Fatal Desert Hot Springs Crash Likely Caused By 'Medical Emergency'

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, CA —A 33-year-old motorist who died after a vehicle collision in Desert Hot Springs may have been suffering from a medical emergency prior to the crash, authorities said Monday.

The two-vehicle crash happened at about 9:50 a.m. Saturday near the intersection of Pierson Boulevard and Golden Eagle Way, according to the Desert Hot Springs Police Department.

Investigators determined that a silver Toyota Camry -- driven by William Shack IV of Desert Hot Springs -- was traveling westbound on Pierson, approaching the traffic light at the intersection of Golden Eagle Way when it crashed into the back of a white Honda Odyssey that was stopped at the light in the westbound lanes of Pierson.

Police said Shack was found unresponsive and rushed to a hospital. He was pronounced dead at the Desert Regional Medical Center at 10:45 a.m. Saturday, according to the coroner's office.

Investigators believe he suffered a medical emergency prior to crashing into the Odyssey, which was occupied by a 40-year-old driver and a 5- year-old child from Desert Hot Springs. Neither of those people required medical care, police said.

Anyone with additional information regarding the crash was encouraged to contact Sgt. Cory Carranza at 760-329-6411.