A motorcyclist was injured and his passenger died when they crashed into the center median on Gene Autry Trail Monday night, and police think the driver may have been under the influence at the time.
Both the driver and passenger were thrown from the bike when they ran into they center divider while driving north on the major Palm Springs roadway, near the Palm Springs airport, at about 10 p.m., according to Officer Melissa Desmarais of the Palm Springs Police Department.
The female passenger, identified as Volandra Lesher, 45, died at the scene of the crash, according to Desmarais and coroner reports. The Desert Hot Springs resident was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
The driver was taken to Desert Regional Medical Center with what were described as life threatening injuries.
"Investigators are looking into the possibility that either drugs or alcohol may have played a role in this collision," Desmarais added.
