On March 9, 2017, at approximately 11:14 am, 56 year old Shirley Hoyt of Eureka, CA, was walking north on S Street
crossing 4th Street in the painted crosswalk. Traffic on westbound 4th Street, which is a one-way street, had stopped for Ms. Hoyt. 56 year
old Larry Nielsen was driving his 2012 Toyota Tacoma pickup westbound on 4th Street at a speed witnesses described as 50 mph or more.
Mr. Nielsen passed the stopped traffic on the right and hit Ms. Hoyt in the crosswalk. Ms. Hoyt suffered major injuries and later died at St
Joseph Hospital in Eureka; Mr. Nielsen continued through the intersection and fled the scene. A witness from out of the area watched the
entire incident and gave chase. The witness followed Mr. Nielsen to the intersection of N Street at 3rd Street in Eureka. With his own
vehicle, the witness blocked the Toyota’s movement with his vehicle then confronted Mr. Nielsen. The witness detained Mr. Nielsen until
officers from the Eureka Police Department arrived.
The Humboldt Area office of the California Highway Patrol has an agreement with the Eureka Police Department to investigate fatal traffic
collisions on select streets in the City of Eureka. CHP officers arrived and are actively investigating this incident.
Mr. Nielsen was taken to a local hospital for examination then booked into the Humboldt County Jail on charges including felony hit and run
and vehicular manslaughter.
DUI was not a factor in this collision. However, Mr. Nielsen may have been experiencing an acute medical condition, and that may have been
a factor in the collision.
This incident remains under investigation and as further information becomes available, an updated press release may be distributed.
CLICK TO MANAGE