Driver identified in deadly Palm Springs crash

The Palm Springs Police Department was investigating a deadly crash that happened at 5:46 p.m. Monday along the 700 block of Gene Autry Trail.

The driver who died was identified as John Cheatham, 83, of Desert Hot Springs.

He was pronounced dead at the scene at 6:26 p.m.

Authorities closed the northbound lanes of Gene Autry Trail at Escena Way and the southbound lanes at Tachevah Drive for nearly five hours. Those roads were reopened just before 10:30 p.m.

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Officers said the the vehicle collided with a light pole and Cheatham became trapped in the vehicle. He was unresponsive when officers arrived. The driver died at the scene, according to authorities.

Cheatham was the only person in the vehicle.

PSPD said the cause of the collision was under investigation and it was unknown if any other vehicles were involved in the collision.

Anyone who may have information about the crash should call the Palm Springs Police Department at 760-323-8116.

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