Legal Action On The Way In Deadly Freak Crash

INDIAN WELLS – The attorney of a local entertainer who died in a freak car crash in Indian Wells says the incident should not have happened and legal actionmaybe coming soon.

Authorities say Victor Leon, 63, of Palm Desert, was driving his Toyota Prius on Miles Avenue around 1 p.m. Monday

A truck in front of his vehicle swerved out of the way when a construction gate swung out onto the road near Highway 111, but Leon was not able to avoid the gate colliding with it.

Investigators say the pointed end of the gate pierced Leon’s vehicle and impaled his hip and groin area. Leon was declared dead at the scene.

Family members said he was on his way to meet with his wife and friends for lunch in Indian Wells. It wasn’t until minutes after the crash that his wife and friends drove up to the scene and learned the tragic news about Victor.

Leon Family attorney Dale Gribow said Friday that a lawsuit may be filed once it’s established who was responsible for the gate.

The city of Indian Wells is not saying anything on who maintained the gate or the case, but city leaders did meet Thursday to discuss the crash.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department’s investigation is expected to continue for at least two to four weeks.

Meanwhile, the gate involved in the crash has been removed.

Attorney Gribow maintains that the crash could have been easily avoided.

“Either the gate should have been placed farther back so that if it swings open it won’t be in the lane; or it should have been constructed so it wouldn’t swing out, only in.”

Arrangements are being made for Leon’s funeral which is Sunday in Cathedral City.