A Thursday morning crash in Twentynine Palms has claimed the life of a Navy wife and mother of two, according to a CHP press release. On January 20 just after 6 a.m., Joel Almeida, 49 of Gaithersburg, Maryland, was driving a black 2019 Nissan Pathfinder southbound on Morongo Road approaching the intersection with Indian Trail, with passengers Christiellen Almeida, 47, and two juveniles, one 12-year-old female and a 6-year-old male. Anthony Reinke, 32 from Yucca Valley, was driving a black 2007 Chevrolet Silverado eastbound on Indian Trail approaching the intersection with Morongo Road. For unknown reasons, the Nissan continued into the intersection in the direct path of the Chevrolet. The front of the Chevrolet struck the passenger side of the Nissan causing enough force for both vehicles to roll over. Both vehicles came to rest on the southeast corner of Indian Trail and Morongo Road. Christiellen Almeida was transported to Hi-Desert Medical Center (HDMC) with suspected life-threatening injuries where she succumbed to her injuries. The 6-year-old boy was transported to Loma Linda Medical Center (LLMC) with major injuries. The 12-year-old girl was transported to DRMC with moderate injuries. Joel Almeida was taken to HDMC with moderate injuries. Reinke was taken to the MCAGCC base hospital with moderate injuries. All parties were wearing their seatbelts or in the appropriate child seats at the time of the crash. Alcohol or drugs do not seem to be a factor in the crash at this time. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
