18-Year-Old Driver Killed In Varner Road Crash

PALM DESERT, CA — The California Highway Patrol released preliminary details about a Tuesday morning crash near Palm Desert that left an 18-year-old man dead.

The fatal crash was reported at approximately 7:58 a.m. on Varner Road, east of 38th Avenue.

According to the CHP report, a white Lexus sedan driven by the 18-year-old Cathedral City resident was heading east on Varner Road.

For reasons still under investigation, the Lexus veered to the right onto a dirt shoulder and went out of control. The Lexus driver overcorrected, and the car crossed into the path of a white Ford pickup truck hauling a utility trailer that was traveling west on Varner.

The two vehicles collided, killing the Lexus driver. The identity of the deceased was withheld pending notification of next of kin.

The Ford was occupied by two people who both complained of pain. Further details about their condition were unavailable.

Both lanes of Varner Road between 38th Avenue and Leopard Street were closed while officers completed their investigation.

Anyone with information regarding the crash is asked to call CHP Officer Perez at 760-772-5300.