Local & Community

Contractor Found Dead at Living Desert in Palm Desert Identified

PALM DESERT (CNS) - A 68-year-old man who was found dead while working
as an outside contractor at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm
Desert was identified Thursday.
  

The Riverside County Coroner's Office identified the deceased as
Wilford Guy of Indio.
  

Deputies responded to a report of an industrial accident at 9:05 a.m.
Wednesday in the 47000 block of Portola Avenue, according to the Riverside
County Sheriff's Department.
  

There were no signs of foul play, the agency stated, but it was
unclear how Guy died.
  

Arriving deputies met with paramedics at the scene who pronounced him dead.
  

``This morning, there was a 911 response to a behind-the-scenes area
at the Living Desert involving an outside contractor who unfortunately was
found deceased,'' a spokesperson for the facility said in a statement
Wednesday. ``The incident did not involve guests and is unrelated to our
animals, animal care operations or the Lion Ridge development project.''
  

The investigation was ongoing.

By: City News Service

October 16, 2026

City News ServiceThe Living Desert Zoo and GardenInvestigationRiverside County Sheriffs Department
Link Copied To Clipboard!
Latest Instagram Posts
73

🗣️ NO KINGS DEMONSTRATIONS ARE COMING BACK TO THE COACHELLA VALLEY! Thousands of demonstrations are planned nationwide Saturday, including FIVE right here in the Valley. Organizers say the goal is to help eligible voters prepare for the polls and know their rights. 📍 Events are planned in Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Palm Desert and Indio. Will you be hitting the streets this weekend? 👀 #NoKings #CoachellaValley #PalmSprings #Indio #CaliforniaNews

16

☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. No Kings protests?

495

Now Open! The new Agua Caliente gas station on Highway 111 in Cathedral City is officially open. A new stop for drivers in the Coachella Valley. Have you checked it out yet? #CathedralCity #AguaCaliente #CoachellaValley #NBCPalmSprin

162

A fire broke out Thursday morning at the KESQ News Channel 3 station in Thousand Palms, disrupting its morning broadcast. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The fire has been extinguished, and restoration efforts are underway. Station leaders told NBC Palm Springs they planned to return to the air at noon. We’re glad everyone is safe. We’ll share updates as more information becomes available. #ThousandPalms #KESQ #CoachellaValley #NBCPalmSprings

109

🚨 FIRE AT KESQ WHILE ON AIR! A fire broke out inside the KESQ news station in Thousand Palms around 5 a.m. this morning, forcing the station off the air. 🔥 The fire started in an equipment room where cameras and batteries are stored. Thankfully, NO ONE WAS INJURED. The cause and extent of the damage remain unknown as the station works to get back on air. ❤️‍🩹 #KESQ #ThousandPalms #BreakingNews #CoachellaValley

31

☕️Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. Four or against daylight saving?

69

James Talarico is advocating for a solution to immigration enforcement that rejects "the extremism on this issue in both parties." Talarico said, "Joe Biden failed us during his administration." And now, under the Trump administration, Talarico said there is a "different kind of extremism" in enforcement.

58

Jeff Zeleny breaks down Texas Democrat James Talarico's performance at a CNN Town Hall, where voters questioned him on religion, abortion and more.

New findings reveal what led to the death of Jackie, the beloved bald eagle from Big Bear Valley.

A necropsy confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu) as the primary cause of her decline. The infection caused a severe stomach ulcer, internal bleeding, anemia and a secondary bacterial infection.

Testing also detected rat poison in Jackie’s liver, but officials say it was not identified as the primary cause of her death. Tests were negative for West Nile virus, and lead levels were within acceptable limits.

Jackie’s mate, Shadow, remains in Big Bear Valley. Officials say there is no evidence that Shadow or the eaglets are sick.

Jackie’s story captured hearts across the country and brought attention to bald eagle conservation.

#JackieTheEagle #BigBear #BaldEagles #WildlifeConservation #BirdFlu #NBCPalmSprings
447

New findings reveal what led to the death of Jackie, the beloved bald eagle from Big Bear Valley. A necropsy confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu) as the primary cause of her decline. The infection caused a severe stomach ulcer, internal bleeding, anemia and a secondary bacterial infection. Testing also detected rat poison in Jackie’s liver, but officials say it was not identified as the primary cause of her death. Tests were negative for West Nile virus, and lead levels were within acceptable limits. Jackie’s mate, Shadow, remains in Big Bear Valley. Officials say there is no evidence that Shadow or the eaglets are sick. Jackie’s story captured hearts across the country and brought attention to bald eagle conservation. #JackieTheEagle #BigBear #BaldEagles #WildlifeConservation #BirdFlu #NBCPalmSprings

112

As discussion around flock cameras continues to spark greater conversations about surveillance and security, the Palm Springs Police Department is expected to provide an update on their flock camera program at tonight’s city council meeting. Stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs as we bring the latest details on this discussion #flockcameras #palmsprings #citycouncil #coachellavalley #760

Contractor Found Dead at Living Desert in Palm Desert Identified