Yucca Valley, CA – Woman Arrested After DUI Crash Kills One and Injures Another on SR 247

Yucca Valley, CA (August 13, 2025) – A Yucca Valley woman was arrested following a suspected DUI crash on Tuesday that resulted in the death of a man and serious injuries to another. The crash occurred around 2:30 p.m. on August 12 on State Route 247 in Landers, just north of Yucca Valley.

According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the crash happened when a 2018 Freightliner medium-duty flatbed truck and a 2015 Chevrolet pickup truck with a Big Tex trailer were stopped on the southbound shoulder of State Route 247. The drivers of the trucks were standing near their vehicles when the suspect, a 41-year-old woman from Yucca Valley, drove southbound and made an unsafe turn onto the shoulder due to intoxication. Her vehicle struck the Big Tex trailer, the Freightliner, and both men standing nearby.

Detrick Dewayne Kelley, 41, the owner of KK Rents Equipment Rental, was pronounced dead at the scene. A 26-year-old man sustained major injuries and was initially transported to Hi Desert Medical Center. He was later airlifted to Desert Regional Medical Center and is currently in critical but stable condition.

The driver, a 41-year-old woman, was arrested at the scene. She faces multiple charges, including felony driving under the influence of alcohol and vehicular manslaughter. The woman was booked at the West Valley Detention Center.

Our thoughts are with the victims' families during this difficult time, and we extend our deepest condolences for their loss.

The Dangers of Driving Under the Influence and Legal Consequences

This tragic accident serves as a grim reminder of the severe consequences of driving under the influence. DUI crashes not only endanger the lives of those involved but also create lasting emotional and financial hardships for the families of the victims. In this case, the loss of life and the severe injuries sustained by the other victim highlight the deadly risks associated with intoxicated driving.

Driving under the influence impairs a driver’s ability to make quick decisions, react to hazards, and stay in control of their vehicle, which often leads to fatal accidents. All drivers must recognize the dangers of alcohol and substance impairment behind the wheel, as the impact of such decisions can be life-altering for everyone involved.

For families and victims affected by DUI-related accidents, legal action may be necessary to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Victims and their families deserve justice, and legal representation can ensure that they are properly compensated.

At Countrywide Trial Lawyers, we are dedicated to helping victims of DUI accidents navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation they deserve.

If your loved one has been affected by a DUI-related crash, contact Countrywide Trial Lawyers today at 844-844-9119 for a free consultation with our wrongful death attorneys. We are here to support you during this challenging time and help you recover both physically and financially.