Woman identified after deadly Thermal crash

The Riverside County Coroner’s Office has identified the woman killed in a crash in Thermal on Monday morning.

Diane Chihuahua, 55, died from her injuries after two cars collided shortly after 10 a.m. on Harrison Street, south of 61st Avenue.

Officers said she was driving southbound on Harrison Street when a 57-year-old man from Coachella, driving in front of her, slowed and began traveling to the right to make a U-turn.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the man began making a U-turn directly in front of Chihuahua’s car when the collision happened. She died at the scene from her injuries. Her 22-year-old passenger was taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

The man driving the other car was taken to Desert Regional Medical Center with major injuries, officers said.

Chihuahua wasn’t wearing her seat belt, according to the CHP.

The collision is still under investigation but officers don’t believe alcohol and/or drugs were factors.

Harrison Street between 61st Avenue and 62nd Avenue was closed to traffic while officers investigated.

CHP officers want to remind drivers and passengers to always wear their safety belts while driving.