June 18, 2009

Woman dies in crash in preserve


From Staff Reports
Desert Dispatch


CIMA • A 28-year-old woman died from injuries she sustained when her car rolled on Morning Star Mine Road Wednesday morning.

Natasha Nichol Leinaala Mahelona, of Hawaii, was driving northbound on Morning Star Mine Road, around 120 miles east of Barstow inside the Mojave National Preserve, when she lost control of her car according to California Highway Patrol officer Taj Johnson.

Johnson said there were no witnesses, but the car appeared to have rolled several times. Mahelona was pronounced dead at the scene.

The CHP is investigating the accident.