UPDATE, 11/26: It has been determined that DUI, was not a factor in this accident.
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UPDATE, 11/12: The California Highway Patrol has provided an update on the condition of the ATV driver in Sunday’s accident. Sadly, Ricky Lee Stockwell succumbed to his injuries early yesterday afternoon. The collision continues to be under investigation by the CHP Humboldt Area office.
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Original Post: California Highway Patrol press release:
On Sunday, November 9th, an ATV driver sustained major life-threatening injuries after his vehicle overturned on private property.
At approximately 3:45 p.m., 48 year old Ricky Lee Stockwell of McKinleyville was driving a 2014 Yamaha Viking ATV on private property off Patterson Road in Willow Creek. Stockwell turned the vehicle in a manner that caused the vehicle to overturn. Neither Stockwell nor his two passengers, 25 year old Andrew Ryan Miller and 17 year old Clay Dalen Taylor, both from the McKinleyville area, were restrained at the time of the collision. Following the collision, Stockwell was transported from the scene by air ambulance to Mercy Medical Center in Redding with major life-threatening injuries. Miller and Taylor were each evaluated at the scene with minor injuries. DUI as a factor in this collision is under investigation. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) Humboldt Area is investigating this collision.
The CHP reminds motorists that driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a significant cause of traffic collisions on both public and private property. If you suspect a driver to be DUI while driving any type of vehicle, contact law enforcement immediately by dialing 9-1-1.