California Highway Patrol press release: 

On June 15, 2016, at approximately 12:45 PM, A 1998 Subaru Legacy driven by 36 year old Myers Flat resident Bud Ross, was traveling southbound on SR-254 (Avenue of the Giants), just south of milepost marker 14.50.  27 year old Virginia resident Alexander Menner was the right front passenger, and 45 year old Arizona resident Carlos Vargas was seated in the rear passenger compartment of the Subaru.  Due to the driver being under the influence, he failed to maintain control of the Subaru and allowed the vehicle to run off the west roadway edge and collide with a large redwood tree.  The driver received major injuries and was transported to Redwood Memorial Hospital for treatment.  The right front passenger received moderate injuries and was also transported to Redwood Memorial Hospital.  The driver and right front passenger were determined to have been wearing their seatbelts during the collision.  The rear passenger, not restrained in the vehicle, sustained major injuries as a result of the collision and was transported to St. Joseph Hospital.

During the investigation, it was determined that the driver was under the influence of drugs at the time of the collision.  The driver was arrested for driving under the influence and was released to the hospital for continued treatment of his injuries.

This collision remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.

PREVIOUSLY: Vehicle vs. Tree on Avenue of the Giants