From the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On Thursday, October 6, 2016 at about 1:20 p.m. the Humboldt County Deputies and Coroners responded to Brannon Mountain Rd in Willow Creek for report of a possible logging accident. Deputies met with Willow Creek Volunteer Fire Department, who had recovered the body about 200 yards down a steep embankment.

It was discovered the decedent was a timber faller and was in the area falling trees for a local business. The decedent has been identified as 57 year old Steven Donald Rodke of Willow Creek. The cause of death is undetermined at this time.

An autopsy has been scheduled for Monday, October 10th.
Anyone with information for the Sheriff’s Office regarding this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Sheriff’s Office at 707-445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at 707-268-2539.