U.S. Marine Corps · United States 
Shannon Distel
2003
Shannon Lee Distel served the U.S. Marine Corps.
How He Died
Manner
Accident
Cause
Multiple traumatic injuries
What Happened
Officer Shannon Distel was killed in a motorcycle crash while on patrol on Van Buren Boulevard, near Dauchy Avenue, in Riverside County.
A pickup truck pulling a trailer turned left in front of him, causing a collision. Officer Distel's motorcycle became wedged in between the truck and trailer, and he was thrown 50 yards. He was transported to Riverside County Regional Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries.
The 31-year-old driver of the pickup truck was arrested and charged with gross negligence and driving under the influence of drugs. The driver was sentenced to three years probation after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor charge of vehicular manslaughter without gross negligence; the charges were reduced after the driver's drug tests returned negative.
Officer Distel was a United States Marine Corps veteran and had served with the California Highway Patrol for six years.
A pickup truck pulling a trailer turned left in front of him, causing a collision. Officer Distel's motorcycle became wedged in between the truck and trailer, and he was thrown 50 yards. He was transported to Riverside County Regional Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries.
The 31-year-old driver of the pickup truck was arrested and charged with gross negligence and driving under the influence of drugs. The driver was sentenced to three years probation after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor charge of vehicular manslaughter without gross negligence; the charges were reduced after the driver's drug tests returned negative.
Officer Distel was a United States Marine Corps veteran and had served with the California Highway Patrol for six years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, four children, parents, brother, and sister.
Service Record
U.S. Marine Corps
Also Served
California Highway Patrol
Officer
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
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Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
August 2, 2026
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