According to the California Highway Patrol, the wreck was reported near Twentynine Palms Highway and Mountain View Circle at around 8:50 p.m. on March 21, 2026
Joshua Tree, CA – Authorities have identified a female pedestrian killed in a Saturday night crash near an intersection in Joshua Tree as Susan Finn, 42, of Joshua Tree.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the wreck was reported near Twentynine Palms Highway and Mountain View Circle at around 8:50 p.m. on March 21, 2026.
A preliminary investigation revealed that Finn was walking south across traffic lanes when she was struck by an eastbound Toyota Camry. She was then struck by a Honda Accord.
Finn was trapped under the car and was extricated. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
It was unclear whether drugs or alcohol were the factors in the incident.
The lanes on Twentynine Palms Highway were closed for several hours on Saturday night as part of the investigation. The highway was fully reopened just before 1:00 a.m.
More information about the crash was not provided.
An investigation is underway.
Joshua Tree, CA, is a small community, but crash data shows consistent safety concerns on its roadways. According to available records, the area recorded 2 fatal crashes resulting in 2 deaths in 2023, following 1 fatal crash and 1 death in 2022, with several incidents involving pedestrians. Over a longer period (1975–2023), Joshua Tree has seen 17 fatal crashes and 18 total deaths, highlighting a steady, though relatively low-volume, fatality trend for its size. In the broader region, San Bernardino County reported more than 14,600 people injured or killed in traffic collisions in 2024, underscoring the higher risk across the county’s desert highways and rural roads.
If you have lost a loved one in this pedestrian accident, you can seek legal guidance to know your rights.