A deadly crash on Interstate 10 early Thursday morning claimed the life of an Ontario woman after her vehicle collided with a big rig near Cabazon, just west of Palm Springs. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) identified the victim as Dianna Bocanegra, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
The crash happened shortly after midnight on the eastbound side of I-10 near Haugan-Lehmann Way. According to CHP officials, Bocanegra was driving a gray Volkswagen Jetta when it was struck by a big rig under circumstances that are still under investigation. The impact of the collision caused significant damage to the passenger vehicle, leaving Bocanegra with fatal injuries.
Authorities confirmed that the driver of the big rig was not injured, and no other vehicles were involved in the crash. CHP has not yet released further details about the sequence of events, and it remains unclear whether speed, impairment, or road conditions played a role. Investigators are continuing to gather evidence and speak with potential witnesses.
Following the collision, a SigAlert was issued, prompting the temporary closure of several lanes on the eastbound side of the freeway. Emergency crews worked to secure the scene, assess damages, and remove the wreckage. The freeway was later reopened after the SigAlert was lifted, and traffic resumed normal flow by the early morning hours.
The sudden death of Dianna Bocanegra has left her family and community in mourning. Loved ones remember her as a caring and kind-hearted person whose life was cut tragically short. As news of the crash spread, condolences poured in from friends and community members across Ontario and the Inland Empire region.
The CHP is asking anyone with information about the crash to come forward to assist with the investigation. As they work to determine what led to the deadly collision, officials are reminding drivers to use caution, especially when traveling near large commercial trucks. The tragic loss serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of highway driving and the importance of staying alert behind the wheel.