Jean Muhire Obituary, Death – Authorities are continuing to investigate a crash that claimed the life of a 22-year-old man on westbound Interstate 10 in Thermal earlier this week. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the collision occurred just after 9 p.m. on Monday, east of Dillon Road. Responding officers found that two vehicles—a 2019 Honda sedan and a 2018 Ram pickup truck—were involved in the incident.
CHP Officer David Torres reported that the Honda was traveling in the No. 1 lane when it moved past the Ram truck and made a leftward maneuver, coming into contact with the front right side of the Ram. This caused the driver of the Honda to lose control, sending the vehicle off the roadway and down an embankment, where it overturned.
Tragically, the driver of the Honda, later identified as Jean Muhire, 22, of Litchfield Park, Arizona, was not wearing a seatbelt at the time and was ejected from the vehicle. He was pronounced deceased at the scene by first responders.
Riverside County coroner’s officials confirmed Muhire’s identity on Tuesday. The occupants of the Ram pickup—a 19-year-old man from Surprise, Arizona, and his 20-year-old passenger from Anaheim—were not injured, according to CHP.
Officer Torres stated that, based on preliminary findings, drugs and alcohol do not appear to have played a role in the crash. Investigators are still working to determine what caused the Honda driver to lose control of the vehicle and whether any other factors, such as speed or road conditions, contributed to the accident.
Emergency personnel and law enforcement agencies remained at the site for several hours following the crash as they conducted an on-scene investigation and worked to clear the area for traffic flow. Portions of westbound I-10 near Dillon Road were temporarily closed to allow investigators to examine evidence and ensure roadway safety before reopening.
Authorities emphasized the importance of wearing seatbelts, noting that doing so can significantly reduce the risk of serious injury or loss of life during vehicle accidents. The CHP continues to encourage all motorists to drive with caution, especially at night and when traveling through high-speed freeway zones such as Interstate 10.
The crash remains under active investigation by the California Highway Patrol’s Indio office. Investigators are asking anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has additional information to contact them at 760-772-5300.
Jean Muhire’s passing has deeply affected those who knew him, as friends and family members expressed their grief on social media, remembering him as a kind, hardworking individual with a bright future ahead. Community members from both Arizona and California have also extended their condolences to the family.
As the investigation continues, officials said they will review nearby surveillance footage, interview potential witnesses, and analyze roadway evidence to piece together the moments leading up to the crash. CHP expects to release a full report once all findings are complete.
This incident serves as a solemn reminder of the unpredictable nature of roadway travel and the importance of defensive driving practices. Authorities continue to urge all drivers to remain alert, avoid distractions, and ensure all passengers are properly restrained whenever a vehicle is in motion.
Anyone who may have further information about the events leading up to the crash or who observed any unusual driving activity in the area around the time of the collision is encouraged to reach out to investigators.
