California Highway Patrol press release:

On the early afternoon of Sunday, May 3, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Humboldt Area responded to a private property ATV collision that resulted in major injuries to a 1 ½ year old child.

At approximately 1:45 p.m., 57 year old Catherine Cooper of Dinsmore was riding a Yamaha Grizzly 650 on her property with her 1 ½ year old grandson seated in front of her.  As she traversed the property, the Yamaha’s left side tires drove into a ditch, causing the Yamaha to overturn.  Cooper was thrown from the Yamaha as the child became pinned underneath.  Cooper and her husband removed the child from underneath the Yamaha and transported him to the Dinsmore Airport, where he was transported by REACH Air Ambulance to UC Davis Medical Center with major injuries.  The child was listed as in stable condition at UC Davis Medical Center.  DUI is not a factor and neither Cooper nor the child were wearing helmets at the time of the collision.  The CHP Humboldt Area office is investigating this collision.

The California Highway Patrol would like to thank the assistance of the US Forest Service, REACH, and the Bridgeville Volunteer Fire Department for their quick response and assistance with this collision.

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.  The CHP reminds motorcycle and ATV riders to obey all laws, always wear a helmet, and drive with caution when traveling Humboldt County’s vast landscape.