Press release from the California Highway Patrol:

On March 31, 2024 at approximately 4:48 P.M., CHP Humboldt Communications Center received a report of an overturned vehicle on Northbound US-101, north of Fernbridge. Emergency personnel responded to the scene and located a 2017 Ford F150 off the east roadside, down an embankment, and actively burning. The passenger, 19-year-old Jozef Borges of Tracy, CA, was able to self-extricate from the vehicle. He was subsequently transported to St. Joseph Hospital with major injuries. The driver, 59-year-old John Borges, also of Tracy, unfortunately sustained fatal injuries as a result of the crash. It is unknown what caused the Ford to travel off the roadway, however, impairment is not considered to have been a factor at this time.

The California Highway Patrol extends its sincere condolences to the family and thanks all responding agencies for their assistance in managing the scene. The CHP Humboldt Area office is continuing its investigation and asks anyone who may have additional information to contact the California Highway Patrol at 707-822-5981.