Deadly Crash Shuts Down Ave 52

Three people are dead after a driver crashed into a tree in La Quinta, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.

It happened at 1:11 a.m. on Avenue 52 and Madison.

Four people were trapped inside the vehicle and had to be cut from the wreckage, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.

Two people, 20-year-old Orlando Diarte and 21-year-old Michael Garcia died on the scene. Two more were flown to the hospital in a helicopter. 20 year old Eric Ceballos later died of his injuries.

The Riverside County Coroner’s office says the sedan was traveling at a high rate of speed then the driver lost control and the car collided with a palm tree. All three were wearing their seat belts.

Investigators say alcohol played a factor in the crash.

Avenue 52 was closed from Madison to Monroe until around 9:00 a.m. while crews investigated and clear the scene, said Sheriff’s Deputies.