Deadly Crash Damages Historic Elephant Car Wash Sign In Rancho Mirage

RANCHO MIRAGE, CA — A motorist was killed early Tuesday after smashing into a light pole, leading to damage to the historic neon pink Elephant Car Wash sign in Rancho Mirage.

The fatal crash was reported at 2:19 a.m. along Highway 111 and Indian Trail, where the Elephant Car Wash, aka Rancho Super Car Wash, is located.

Sheriff's deputies were called, and they found the driver, the vehicle's solo occupant, dead at the scene. No other motorists were involved, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

The victim's identity was not released pending notification of next of kin.

The crash cause remains under investigation.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Deputy Derek Thomas at 760-836-1600 or Riverside sheriff’s dispatch at 760-836-3215.

The Elephant Car Wash has served the Coachella Valley since 1966.

Current car wash owner Ryan Barnes told Patch that crash debris damaged the south-facing side of the elephant sign, causing "extensive damage" to the historical landmark.

It's unclear how much it will cost to repair the neon sign, which was restored in recent years.

Barnes has owned the car wash since January, after acquiring it from his father, who ran the business for 18 years. The car wash was originally founded by Richard Fromme, who moved to the desert from Washington State. His wife's family operated several pink elephant car washes in the Evergreen State.

On September 7, 2023, the Rancho Mirage City Council unanimously awarded the sign a historic designation.