A 78-year-old Palm Springs resident Thomas Diguette was struck by an eastbound vehicle while walking in the east crosswalk at the intersection of East Palm Canyon Drive and Cherokee Way on the night of April 29. Police and multiple reports confirmed the collision happened shortly after 8 p.m., with emergency calls logged around 8:15 to 8:18 p.m.
Responding officers and medical personnel found Diguette with major injuries at the scene. He was transported to Desert Regional Medical Center, located at 1150 North Indian Canyon Drive in Palm Springs, where he later died from the trauma sustained in the crash. The Riverside County Coroner recorded his official time of death as 9:01 p.m.
Investigators reported that the vehicle involved had been traveling eastbound on East Palm Canyon Drive and was believed to have a green light and the right of way when it entered the intersection. Early assessments from the Palm Springs Police Department indicated no immediate signs that speed or impairment contributed to the collision, though the investigation remains active.
Authorities confirmed that the driver stayed at the scene and cooperated fully with officers. No arrests were made, and officials have not released any information suggesting criminal behavior by the motorist. Police statements emphasized that the findings were preliminary and subject to further review as evidence continues to be evaluated.
The Riverside County Sheriff Coroner’s Office formally identified the victim as Thomas Diguette, age 78, of Palm Springs. Their records show the injury occurred at 8:15 p.m. at the same intersection where officers initially responded, aligning with the timeline provided by police dispatch logs and local reporting.
Palm Springs Police Department’s Traffic Division is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. Authorities have asked anyone with additional information to contact the department or Crime Stoppers as they work to determine the full sequence of events that led to Diguette’s death.