(The following story appeared on The Desert Sun website on May 8.)
MECCA — A 39-year-old Union Pacific Railroad police officer was killed early yesterday in a car accident while on duty in Mecca, authorities said.
Officer Aaron Garcia, of Imperial, apparently lost control of the sport utility vehicle he was driving on Highway 111 in Mecca, about a mile south of Mecca Avenue, around 12:20 a.m., according to the Riverside County Coroner’s Office.
The sport utility vehicle rolled, and Garcia was ejected, authorities said.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger extended his condolences Garcia’s family.
“Maria and I were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Officer Aaron Garcia,” Schwarzenegger said in a statement. “Day after day, Aaron put his life on the line to keep Californians safe, protect our railways and serve his community.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and fellow officers as they mourn his loss.”