AMR medic killed in Palm Springs motorcycle collision

PALM SPRINGS — An off-duty American Medical Response EMT was killed while riding a motorcycle in Palm Springs this morning, Monday, March 18. The deadly crash happened on S. Gene Autry Trail, north of Seven Lakes Dr., about a half-mile north of Hwy 111.

Witnesses later watched as fire and rescue personnel at the scene solemnly draped an American flag over the deceased rider’s lifeless body as it lay in the roadway. AMR personnel were seen nearby crying, hugging, and consoling each other. AMR employees were later observed offering the victim a final salute before the person’s body was loaded onto a waiting coroner’s van.

Around four hours after the accident was reported, a Palm Springs PD patrol vehicle – with lights flashing and siren wailing – led the coroner’s van, followed by a processional of nearly two dozen ambulances and other fire and rescue vehicles away from scene of the crash. Area residents later reported seeing the caravan traveling on the freeway toward Indio’s coroner facility.

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Palm Springs Fire and Police Departments, along with an AMR ambulance crew and other emergency personnel, were dispatched to the scene shortly after 8:30 a.m., after receiving reports of the collision.

Although the call was initially reported as a vehicle versus pedestrian accident, when officials arrived they learned the collision actually involved a black Honda sedan and motorcyclist.

Medical personnel quickly determined the motorcyclist had already succumbed to their injuries and the rider was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Although officials have confirmed the rider was an AMR medic, the victim’s name has not yet been released, pending notification of the person’s family.

Palm Springs PD’s Traffic Unit responded to the scene and conducted an initial on-scene investigation into the cause of the crash. During their hours-long investigation they called for the temporary closure of S. Gene Autry Trail, between Mesquite Ave. and Seven Lakes Dr. The roadway remained closed for several hours, and PSPD officials updated that the road was reopened around 2:30 p.m.

The other involved driver remained at the scene and was reportedly cooperating with the investigation. Although officials have not yet specified what caused the deadly crash, they have said that neither alcohol or drug intoxication appear to be contributing factors.

Palm Springs PD’s Traffic Unit has asked that anyone who witnessed this collision call (760) 323-8125. Anonymous information can also be provided by calling Crime Stoppers at (760) 341-7867.

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Contact the writer: [email protected]

Trevor Montgomery, 47, moved last year to the Intermountain area of Shasta County from Riverside County and runs Riverside County News Source and Shasta County News Source. Additionally, he writes for several other news organizations; including Riverside County based newspapers, Valley News, The Valley Chronicle, and Anza Valley Outlook; as well as Bonsall/Fallbrook Village News in San Diego County and Mountain Echo in Shasta County.

Trevor spent 10 years in the U.S. Army as an Orthopedic Specialist before joining the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department in 1998. He was medically retired after losing his leg, breaking his back, and suffering both spinal cord and brain injuries in an off-duty accident. (Click here to see segment of Discovery Channel documentary of Trevor’s accident.)

During his time with the sheriff’s department, Trevor worked at several different stations; including Robert Presley Detention Center, Southwest Station in Temecula, Hemet/Valle Vista Station, Ben Clark Public Safety Training Center, and Lake Elsinore Station; along with other locations.

Trevor’s assignments included Corrections, Patrol, DUI Enforcement, Boat and Personal Water-Craft based Lake Patrol, Off-Road Vehicle Enforcement, Problem Oriented Policing Team, and Personnel/Background Investigations. He finished his career while working as a Sex Crimes and Child Abuse Investigator and was a court-designated expert in child abuse and child sex-related crimes.

Trevor has been married for more than 28 years and was a foster parent to more than 60 children over 13 years. He is now an adoptive parent and his “fluid family” includes 13 children and 15 – but soon to be 16 – grandchildren.