According to CHP, around 12:15 a.m. Anthony Thomas Lovatto, age 25 of Whitethorn was travelling east on the Briceland-Thorn Road on a 2004 Honda MX 250. Lovatto struck a deer and was ejected. He sustained major injuries and was rushed to St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka.

The driver was wearing a helmet but it is believed that alcohol was a factor in the collision.