Humboldt CHP press release:

 

Solo Vehicle Traffic Collision on US 101 Results In One Fatality.
On June 17, 2017 at approximately 0335 hours, a 2014 Dodge Journey SUV, exited US-101 southbound to South G Street at an undetermined speed.  

The driver failed to negotiate the curve at the end of the off ramp and as a result the vehicle left roadway in a straight line before colliding head on with a large tree. 

The Dodge sustained major damage. The driver was unresponsive at the scene when CHP and Fire/EMS arrived. 

The driver was transported by ambulance to Mad River Hospital where he was later pronounced deceased. The passenger suffered minor injuries and was transported to Saint Joseph Hospital by ambulance.

Driver:  Jarrod Waddle, Age 35, Redding, CA sustained fatal injuries. Contact Humboldt County Coroner for further. Case # 2017-02868

Passenger: Andrea Eddy, Age 36, Weaverville, CA sustained minor injuries.  Treated and released from St. Joseph’s Hospital in Arcata.

Investigating Officer: Eckerfield, #21025
Emergency personnel from the California Highway Patrol, Arcata Police Department, Humboldt Bay Fire, and Mad River Ambulance responded to the scene. 

DUI is suspected as a factor in this collision and further toxicological analysis is pending.