The officer, whose name was not immediately released, was in a patrol car headed north around 2:20 p.m. when the accident occurred near the Humboldt County line, said Public Information Officer Paul Dahlen.

“He was pronounced deceased at the scene,” Dahlen said.

He said a southbound Toyota apparently crossed the centerline and struck the cruiser.

“We’re still collecting witness statements,” Dahlen said.

Two occupants of the Toyota were taken to a hospital in Garberville. Their names and information on their condition were not available.

Highway 101 was closed in both directions after the accident and there was no estimate on when it would reopen.

The location was 14 miles north of Leggett and 13 miles south of Garberville, according to Caltrans spokesman Phil Frisbie.

Traffic was being detoured onto nearby Highway 271, the old north south route.

It is always sad to lose anyone.  In a town this small, we are all touched.