A fatal crash is under investigation in Joshua Tree National Park. On September 30, shortly after 7:30 p.m., Damien Sousa, a 38-year-old resident of San Dimas, was driving a black 2004 Ford F250, southbound on Park Boulevard, north of the west entrance and within the Joshua Tree National Park. A 29-year-old male from Glendora and Erica Capidanie, 27-years-old from Covina, were passengers in the vehicle. For unknown reasons, the Ford drifted to the right onto the dirt shoulder and Sousa attempted to turn the Ford back onto the road. Sousa lost control of the Ford and the Ford overturned. The male passenger was partially ejected. After the collision, The Ford came to rest on its roof. The female passenger was transported to Desert Regional Medical Center with suspected minor injuries. The male passenger succumbed to his injuries on scene. Sousa suffered minor injuries and was evaluated for a DUI and subsequently arrested. According to the California Highway Patrol, the unidentified male did not seem to be wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. The cause of this crash is still under investigation.
