UPDATE 5:11 P.M.:

CHP Press Release:

The CHP’s preliminary investigation into Sunday night’s vehicle versus pedestrian traffic collision that claimed the life of the pedestrian has been determined to be the result of a suicide attempt on behalf of the pedestrian.  The collision occurred on the US-101 Northbound onramp from Humboldt Hill Road on Sunday, December 1st at approximately 10:00 PM when a pickup truck preparing to merge onto US-101 Northbound collided into a pedestrian that purposefully stepped in front of the approaching truck.  The driver, who fled the scene prior to contacting law enforcement, has been determined to not be at fault in this traffic collision.  The male pedestrian’s name is being withheld pending family notification.  

The CHP is continuing to ask the public’s assistance in identifying and locating the driver who fled the scene.  The vehicle is described as a white, lifted, full-size pickup truck with tool boxes attached to the side.  The driver may reside in the Humboldt Hill area or know somebody who does.  The truck may have sustained minor front-end damage as a result of this traffic collision.  Anybody who may have witnessed this traffic collision or who may have information that would lead to the identification or location of the driver or the vehicle in question is urged to contact the CHP Humboldt Area office at (707) 822-5981.

Original Post: According to California Highway Patrol Public Information Officer, Matt Harvey, the man killed in Sunday’s fatality “intentionally stepped in front of the vehicle.” Harvey said that this was a suicide attempt.

The pedestrian’s name is still not being released because next of kin has not yet been located.

 The driver of the white truck being sought in connection with the incident has been determined not to be at fault in the collision.  However, the CHP are still “doing everything we can to find the driver.” It is “critical that we talk to him to get his version of events.”

If anyone has information on this accident, please contact the Arcata CHP at (707) 822-5981.

Previously: