Driver hurt, passenger dead after speeding vehicle slams into tree: police

The driver of a coupe was injured and the passenger riding alongside them was killed in a high-speed crash in Riverside Tuesday evening. 

Riverside Police Department officials released a news brief stating that officers were dispatched to the corner of Sycamore Canyon Boulevard and Cottonwood Avenue at 6:15 p.m. on a call for service referencing a traffic collision. 

Upon arrival, first responders located a single vehicle – a 2017 Nissan 370Z – that had collided with a tree. 

“The preliminary investigation revealed that a 29-year-old motorist was driving the Nissan southbound on Sycamore Canyon Boulevard at a high rate of speed when he lost control of the vehicle and collided into the tree,” Riverside police said. “The two occupants were trapped in the vehicle.” 

After being extricated from the wreckage, both people inside the vehicle were taken to a local hospital, where the passenger succumbed to their injuries. 

They were only identified as a Moreno Valley resident; their name will not be released pending the coroner’s investigation. 

The 29-year-old driver, also of Moreno Valley, was said to be in stable condition and held for further medical observations, law enforcement officials said. 

“At this time, it is unknown if drugs and/or alcohol were contributing factors in the crash,” RPD said. 

The department’s Major Accident Investigation Team assumed the investigation. 

Anyone with information on the crash is asked to contact RPD Traffic Detective Ryan McHugh by calling 951-826-8720. Information can also be emailed to RMcHugh@riversideca.gov and reference case number #240031881.