Woman Killed In Thermal Crash Was Not Wearing Seatbelt: CHP

THERMAL, CA — A 52-year-old woman was killed in a rollover crash alongside Highway 86 in Thermal, authorities said Friday.

Marcia Zarco of Thermal was fatally injured about 4:35 p.m. Thursday on southbound Highway 86, a quarter-mile north of 70th Avenue, adjacent to the Torres-Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indian Reservation, according to the California Highway Patrol.

"For reasons still under investigation, her Kia Optima left the roadway toward the right shoulder and overturned," CHP Officer David Torres told City News Service. "The (victim) was not wearing her seatbelt."

The Kia rolled roughly 150 feet off the highway and came to rest upright on its wheels, according to the CHP.

Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department crews reached the location just before 5 p.m. and initiated resuscitative measures but were unable to save her.

Zarco was pronounced dead at the scene at 5:20 p.m.

"Drugs or alcohol do not appear to be factors in this crash," Torres said.

Anyone with information was asked to contact the CHP's Indio office at 760-772-5300.

—By City News Service