An investigation was continuing Thursday into a fatality stemming from a fiery collision between an all-terrain vehicle and a sedan in Sky Valley.
Israel Hernandez, 45, of Sky Valley was killed in the crash Wednesday at the intersection of Marshall Road and 22nd Avenue in the unincorporated community, which is situated east of Desert Hot Springs.
According to the California Highway Patrol, about 4:35 p.m. Wednesday, Hernandez was operating a four-wheel John Deere Gator westbound on the dirt shoulder of 22nd Avenue when a Toyota Camry approached from behind, going the same way.
CHP Officer David Torres said Hernandez was using the shoulder on the opposite side of the road, apparently in order to face traffic.
“The preliminary investigation suggests the Toyota, driven by a 44-year-old man … collided with the Gator,” Torres said.
A fire ensued. Officers and Riverside County Fire Department crews reached the location minutes later, and the blaze was quickly doused, according to the CHP.
Hernandez was pronounced dead at the scene.
The other motorist, whose name was not disclosed, was not hurt. He was not arrested.
The intersection was shut down for more than three hours while the wreckage was cleared and a preliminary investigation was conducted.
That investigation remained active Thursday, and anyone with information was asked to contact the Indio CHP office at 760-772-5300.