PSPD: Illegal U-turn by other car caused crash that killed paramedic
A driver making an illegal U-turn caused a collision that resulted in the death of a motorcyclist fresh off a 12-hour shift as a paramedic, officials announced today.
Eddie Lustro, 34, who worked for American Medical Response Inc. out of Palm Springs, died at the scene of the crash, which occurred around 8:30 a.m. Monday on South Gene Autry Trail just south of Dinah Shore Drive.
“Preliminary investigation shows the car made an illegal U-turn from the driveway/west roadway edge and collided with the motorcycle, which had been traveling in the southbound number one lane,” according to a Palm Springs police statement that says “there is a designated two-way left-turn lane the driver could have used to make a legal U-turn.”
Police said the 54-year-old driver, a man who moved to Palm Springs on March 7, could face charges related to the crash upon completion of the investigation.
The motorist, whose name was withheld, remained on scene and cooperated with investigators, according to Palm Springs police Sgt. Mike Casavan.
It did not appear that drugs or alcohol were factors in the collision, according to police.
About a dozen emergency responders saluted as Lustro’s body, covered with an American flag, was put into a van at the crash scene. They joined a procession of about 15 ambulances and other AMR vehicles that followed the van to the coroner’s office.
Lustro, of Rancho Mirage, is survived by his wife, AMR Regional Director Doug Key said.
Police ask anyone who witnessed the collision to call (760) 323-8125. Anonymous information can also be provided by contacting Crime Stoppers at (760) 341-7867.
