Details are still scant on this morning’s traffic collission-turned-conflict in which a suspect was fatally shot by a California Highway Patrol officer after allegedly attacking the officer with a deadly weapon. The following press release from the Hoopa Valley Tribe identifies the deceased as a tribal member:

Hoopa Valley Tribal Chairwoman Danielle Vigil-Masten expressed her condolences to those affected by the fatal altercation early this morning in Willow Creek.

Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the young Hoopa tribal member who crossed over early Thursday morning and to the officer who was injured. 

We urge people to be respectful of one another during these tragic times,” Vigil-Masten said.

Hoopa Elementary, Hoopa High School, and Hoopa tribal education programs will be closed on Friday, December 19. All scheduled youth activities in the Hoopa Valley are postponed until further notice.

We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.