UPDATE: The Times Standard is reporting (see article for much more details):
Jason Matthew Whitley of Arcata was traveling north on Highway 101 and approaching the Indianola Cutoff when Clayton Hickory entered the roadway directly in front of Whitley around 5:10 p.m., according to a press release from the California Highway Patrol. Whitley could not avoid colliding with Hickory, the release said.
Bad accident between Eureka and Arcata near the intersection with Indianola Ave. Two vehicles. An eyewitness says someone covered with a blanket to the side of the road.
Drive carefully going home.