CHP collision report. CPH

California Highway Patrol press release:

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) Willow Creek Resident Post with the assistance of the Orleans Volunteer Fire Department and Buddy’s tow has recovered the 2008 Toyota Yaris and all outstanding occupants involved in fatal collision on SR-96. 

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Previous Information:

CHP INVESTIGATING VEHICLE INTO THE KLAMATH TRAFFIC COLLISION ON SR-96

 

Orleans, California-  On March 5, 2017 at approximately 7:20 P.M., 30 year old Elizabeth Anne Palmer of Orleans was driving her Toyota Yaris southbound on HWY 96, north of Orleans (MM 41).  41 year old Jose Paredes Chavez of Orleans was seated in the front passenger seat; a 4 year old and 18 month old were seated in the rear passenger area.

For reasons still under investigation, Ms. Palmer lost control of her vehicle, drifted in a westerly direction off the roadway, continuing down an embankment (approximately 500’) into the Klamath River. 

It was dark and there was a mixture of snow and rain falling in the area. Mr. Chavez was able to escape, climb back up to the roadway, and contact a CalTrans employee.  Emergency services were requested at this time. 

Emergency personnel from the Orleans Volunteer Fire Department, Willow Creek Volunteer Fire Department,  Happy Camp Ambulance, Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office,  Trinity County Sheriff’s Office, California Highway Patrol (Willow Creek) and Hoopa Ambulance responded to the scene to provide emergency services.

Due to the extreme weather and roadway conditions, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue, Trinity County Search and Rescue, CHP helicopter, and Coast Guard were unable to locate the vehicle and its remaining occupants.  The disposition of Ms. Palmer and the children cannot be confirmed at this time.

Mr. Chavez was transported to Mad River Community Hospital with minor to moderate injuries.   A joint effort is currently underway in an attempt to locate the missing parties.  CHP Willow Creek is handling the collision investigation.