Press release from the California Highway Patrol:

On July 23, 2018, at approximately 1750 hours [5:50 p.m.], a 2012 Kawasaki motorcycle, driven by 38 year old Brian J. Hemphill was traveling eastbound on Briceland Road, east of Ettersburg Junction.

For reasons still under investigation, Hemphill failed to maintain control of the Kawasaki and drifted off the east roadway edge of Briceland Road, where it collided with a tree. Hemphill was found to be wearing a helmet, however, was pronounced deceased at the scene by City Ambulance of Eureka personnel.

This collision remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol, Garberville Area office. It is not known at this time if drugs or alcohol impairment is a factor in this collision.

The following agencies responded to the scene and assisted with this incident; Telegraph Creek Fire, Cal-Fire, Briceland Fire, City Ambulance of Eureka and the California Highway Patrol.