Motorcyclist dies following hit-and-run in Cathedral City, passenger in critical condition

A motorcyclist died after being hit by a pick-up truck at the intersection of Ramon and Crossley roads in Cathedral City early Sunday morning, according to Cathedral City Police. The motorcyclist's passenger was reportedly in critical condition. 

Police said that the motorcycle was headed west on Ramon when the pick-up, traveling east, turned onto Crossley, crashing into the motorcycle. The driver of the truck left the scene, but evidence left behind allowed officer to identify the vehicle — an investigation is ongoing to identify the driver, police said. The truck had last been seen heading westbound on Ramon Road. 

The driver of the motorcycle, a male, and his female passenger were in the roadway with major injuries when officers arrived at about 1:18 a.m. They were taken to Desert Regional Medical Center where the driver was later pronounced dead, according to police. The passenger was in stable but critical condition as of Sunday afternoon. 

The road was temporarily closed while police completed their initial investigation. It was reopen by 3 a.m.

Police are asking anyone with information related to the incident to contact the department at 760-770-0300 or call Sgt. Jeffrey Barnett directly at 760-770-0381. Information can also be reported via the Cathedral City Police Department website at cathedralcitypolice.com, by emailing tips@cathedralcity.gov, or anonymously through the WeTip hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME or WWW.WETIP.com. 

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