UPDATE 3:30 p.m: According to Sgt. Steve Watson of the Eureka Police Department, his office is not investigating the incident, other agencies are. Humboldt County Sheriff’s Deputies are “assessing the driver for a possible mental health detention and evaluation [while] CHP investigated the collision.”

However, Watson is willing to say that a preliminary investigation shows a “frail, elderly female driver… crashed into the side of the guardrail in a possible attempt to drive off the bridge and then may have attempted to jump off.”

Watson wrote, “However, several civilian bystanders came to her aid and prevented her from doing so.” (

Watson stressed that information was preliminary and the “end conclusions may be different.” But he did say he appreciated the help of the bystanders. “Hats off to them!” he said and we agree!

UPDATE, 1:59 p.m.: Callers into KHUM radio report that traffic is open both ways on Samoa Bridge.

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UPDATE 1:42 p.m.: According to dispatch, Eureka Police Department, has the subject detained.

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According to scanner traffic, a female is threatening suicide on the Samoa Bridge. Emergency personnel have responded. The Samoa Bridge is currently closed. Please make plans to detour through another route.