Washington County employees are recovering from a one-two punch after learning today that one of their former co-workers was killed in a motor vehicle accident in California.
Randy Miller, who retired from the county in August 2014 after a 39-year career, was killed in an accident in California.
A report in the Desert Trail shows:
“TWENTYNINE PALMS — A Twentynine Palms man is facing changes of felony driving under the influence and felony hit and run after reportedly admitting to being the driver of the vehicle that struck Randy Miller.
Robert Cummings reportedly admitted he struck Miller on Twentynine Palms Highway and Tamarisk Avenue and fled the scene at about 7:50 p.m. Sunday, April 10.
Deputies responded to a report of a vehicle versus pedestrian hit and run in downtown Twentynine Palms.
Deputies determined Randy Miller was crossing the highway with his wife and was in the crosswalk when the suspect vehicle struck him. The impact launched Miller into the air and he landed about fifty feet away. He was transported to Palm Springs Desert Regional Medical Center via ambulance.
Sheriff’s Dispatch received a tip at 11:10 p.m. regarding the collision and deputies responded to the 6500 block of Hillside Avenue in Twentynine Palms. They located the suspect vehicle and contacted Cummings who was found to still be under the influence of alcohol.”
Former County Board Chairman Herb Tennies confirmed the death. “Apparently he was out in California with his wife to do some fishing and he got hit by a car,” said Tennies. “He was a good employee and I remember I recently saw him at a retirement party and he was looking forward to traveling,” Tennies said.
Tennies said Miller lived at Sandy Knoll Park until his retirement.
Just last week county employees packed into St. Mary’s Church for the funeral of former County Finance Director Sue Haag. She had retired recently after 33 years with the county. Haag lost a battle with an aggressive form of cancer. She was 61.