71-year-old woman dead after veering off road near Idyllwild

A 71-year-old woman has died after veering over the side of the road near the Idyllwild-Pine Cove area in Riverside County, according to police. 

The crash happened at around 5 p.m. on Monday along Mount Edna Road in the San Jacinto Mountains, just near Highway 243, said a press release from the California Highway Patrol. 

Investigators say that the woman, identified as Yucca Valley resident Cheryl Brault, was driving along the two-lane road in a 1998 Grand Cheep Cherokee when for unknown reasons she drover off the road. Her car plunged down the mountainside. 

Officers spotted the car about an hour after the crash was first reported. 

"It is unknown at this time what events transpired that led to the crash," police said. "It is also unknown whether alcohol or drugs were contributing factors."

Riverside County Fire Department crews declared Brault dead at the scene. 

Anyone who knows more or who witnessed anything is asked to contact CHP at (951) 846-5300.