'Tragic': Officer From Palm Desert Killed In Cathedral City Crash

PALM DESERT, CA — A Palm Springs community service officer was killed Thanksgiving morning in a Cathedral City collision involving another employee of the police department, authorities announced.

Nicholas Griego, a 31-year-old Palm Desert man, leaves behind a wife and two children, according to the Palm Springs Police Department.

The collision was reported at 11:50 a.m. on Thursday when Griego collided with a pickup truck while riding a motorcycle at Cathedral Canyon and East Palm Canyon, the Cathedral City Police Department said.

Griego was pronounced dead at the scene and the intersection was closed for some time while police talked to the pickup driver, who cooperated with officers.

"Today we lost a good one. Nick Griego was tragically killed in a traffic accident after working at the Turkey Trot," Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills wrote on social media Thursday. "Nick had a deep sense of love for his wife and two small children and fidelity to PSPD. ... Our hearts are hurting, but we will rise stronger than before for knowing him."

The crash is still under investigation by Cathedral City police, the Palm Springs Police Department said.

“Our hearts are heavy as we process this devastating news,” Mills wrote on social media. “Nick was a dedicated member of our team and was committed to serving our community. His loss leaves a void that will be felt by all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him.”

Details regarding funeral arrangements or ways to help will be shared over the coming days and weeks.

"During this incredibly difficult time, we extend our deepest sympathies to Nick’s wife, children, family, friends, and colleagues. We stand united in support of them as they navigate this painful loss and honor Nick’s memory. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone grieving with us," the Palm Springs Police Department's statement reads.

This story has been updated to note that Nicholas Griego was a community service officer for the Palm Springs Police Department.