California Highway Patrol press release:

On 12/18/2019, at approximately 0920 hours, a white sedan with one occupant was traveling northbound US 101 just south of Benbow Drive. A gray hatchback with one occupant was traveling souhbound on US 101 south of Benbow Drive. For reasons still under investigation, the white sedan crossed into the southbound lanes, directly into the path of the gray hatchback. The sedan struck the hatchback head on and both vehicles came rest partially blocking both southbound lanes. As a result of the collision, both drivers succumbed to their injuries and were pronounced deceased at the scene. Northbound and southbound traffic is currently being diverted onto the off ramps to Benbow Drive.

The names of the drivers of both vehicles are currently being withheld pending notification of the next of kin. It is unknown at this time if drugs or alcohol were a factor in this collision.

The California Highway Patrol, Redway and Garberville Volunteer Fire, Cal-Trans, Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department, and City Ambulance all responded to the scene. This collision remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol - Garberville Area.