UPDATE 6:46 A.M.:

CHP Press Release:

On 10/31/2013, at approximately 7:42 PM, a solo male driving a 2010 Kia, who was wearing his seatbelt, was traveling westbound on SR-299 near mile post marker 34.90.  For reasons still under investigation, the male driver of the Kia drifted into the opposing lane while negotiating a right hand turn, directly into the path of an approaching 2001 Subaru.  The female driver of the Subaru, Judy Lynn Beaver of Forks of Salmon, who was wearing her seatbelt, was unable to avoid a collision with the oncoming Kia.  The left front of the Kia collided with the left front of the Subaru, airbags in both vehicles deployed, and both lanes of SR-299 were blocked as a result of this collision.  The male driver of the Kia sustained major injuries during the collision, and had to be extricated from the vehicle.  Ms. Beaver sustained minor injuries. 

The California Highway Patrol - Humboldt Area responded to the scene and is conducting the investigation.  Emergency personnel from the Willow Creek Volunteer Fire Department, the Salyer Volunteer Fire Department, and Hoopa Ambulance also responded to the scene and conducted patient extrication and medical care.  Due to the severity of the male driver’s injuries, a Reach 5 medical helicopter was summoned to a landing zone at the Berry Summit Vista Point, but the male driver was pronounced deceased prior to its arrival. 

SR-299 was fully closed for approximately 90 minutes as a result of this collision, followed by one way traffic control for approximately 10 minutes.  The cause of this collision is still under investigation.  The identity of the male driver is being withheld pending family notifications.

Original report below—————————

CHP dispatch is reporting a traffic fatality on Hwy 299 west of Willow Creek about five miles.  A call came in at 7:46 P.M. reporting an accident with an unresponsive subject. An elderly man pinned in a car. 

Eventually, the coroner was called.

The accident formed a traffic hazard but both lanes are now open.