32-year-old killed in crash with tractor-trailer, tree on I-10 in Cabazon

A 32-year-old Menifee man was killed in a crash involving a tractor-trailer and a tree along Interstate 10 in Cabazon Wednesday evening.

The crash happened on the westbound side of the I-10, west of Main Street, at around 6:30 p.m.

According to the California Highway Patrol, a white Hyundai Sonata was traveling westbound when, for reason still undetermined, the vehicle veered right, into the dirt shoulder. The driver steered the vehicle to the left in an attempt to correct and crashed with a tractor-trailer combination vehicle traveling westbound.

Police said the impact pushed the Hyundai back to the right where it collided with a tree within the dirt field.

A passenger in the Hyundai, identified as Joseph Rios, 32, of Menifee, was taken to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, where he was pronounced dead about an hour later.

The driver of the vehicle suffered minor injuries.

A GoFundMe page has been set up by the family of Joseph Rios to raise funds for funeral services. Click here if you would like to make a donation.

The tractor-trailer involved in the crash left the scene before officers arrived. If you have any information on the crash, call the CHP San Gorgonio station at (951) 769-2000.

CHP noted that alcohol or drugs did not appear to be a factor in the crash.