CHP Press Release:

On July 27, 2013, at approximately 1726 hours, Delbert McClatchey of Rio Dell, CA, was driving his 1996 Ford Escort southbound on US-101, in the slow lane at approximately 60 mph.  As McClatchey approached the Kenmar Road on-ramp to southbound US-101, he safely moved to the fast lane to make room for traffic merging onto the freeway from Kenmar Road.   A 45 year old man was driving his 1995 Chevy Camaro southbound on US-101, in the fast lane at a high rate of speed.  The driver of the Chevy rapidly approached McClatchey and changed lanes to the slow lane in an attempt to pass McClatchey on the right.  Due to the Chevy’s high rate of speed combined with making an unsafe lane change, the driver of the Chevy lost control of his vehicle, which sideswiped McClatchey’s vehicle.  Both vehicles overturned and came to rest blocking the lanes of southbound US-101.   The driver of the Chevy was ejected from his vehicle and sustained major injuries.  He was transported to Redwood Memorial Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.  McClatchey sustained minor injuries and was also  transported to Redwood Memorial Hospital. 

The driver of the Chevy’s name is being withheld pending notification to the next of kin. 

Emergency personnel from the Fortuna Volunteer Fire Department, City Ambulance, Fortuna Police Department, Forest Service, and California Highway Patrol responded to the scene.  Caltrans responded to the scene and provided traffic control as US-101 southbound was closed for approximately two hours.  All US-101 southbound traffic was diverted off US-101 at Kenmar Road. 

Alcohol/Drug impairment as a factor in this collision is still under investigation.

The driver of the Chevy Camaro who sustained fatal injuries as a result of this collision is 45 year old Stephen D. Hall of Hydesville.

Previously: Accident Near Fortuna [Southbound 101 Closed—Detour Through Fortuna—Fatality]