Lake Elsinore, California (November 3, 2025) — Authorities have identified the woman killed in a motorcycle crash early Monday morning in Lake Elsinore as 39-year-old Dianne Gutierrez, a resident of the city. According to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, the fatal collision occurred near the intersection of Central Avenue and Dexter Avenue and involved a suspected impaired driver.
Incident Details: Deputies and paramedics were dispatched to the scene around 4:46 a.m. after reports of a serious crash involving a motorcycle and another vehicle. Gutierrez was found injured in the roadway approximately 177 feet east of Dexter Avenue. Despite life-saving efforts by first responders, she was pronounced dead at the scene within minutes.
The driver of the other vehicle remained on site and cooperated with deputies, but was later arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, according to Sgt. Robert Martinez. Officials did not immediately release the driver’s name or additional details about the vehicle involved. Monday’s fatal collision marks the second roadway death in the area within the past month.
Investigation: The Riverside County Sheriff’s Lake Elsinore Station is leading the investigation to determine the precise cause of the crash. Investigators are systematically gathering and analyzing a wide range of evidence. This includes detailed measurements and photographs of the scene to document roadway evidence, such as skid marks, impact points, and debris fields, which are crucial for reconstructing the crash dynamics. They will also review whether excessive speed, lighting conditions, or lane positioning played a role in the fatal impact.
In California, it is a crime to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Investigators have not yet announced whether additional charges, such as gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, will be pursued.
Legal Considerations: When a driver suspected of impairment causes a fatal crash, the case typically proceeds along both criminal and civil paths. Motorcycle collisions often result in catastrophic injuries, even at moderate speeds, and victims’ families are entitled to a full accounting of what went wrong.
While the state may pursue DUI-related charges, the family of Dianne Gutierrez also has the right to file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for funeral costs, emotional suffering, and loss of companionship.
I extend my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Dianne Gutierrez as they grieve this senseless and heartbreaking loss.
Source: Patch / Lake Elsinore-Wildomar