PREVIOUSLY:

• Two Drivers Killed in Highway 101 Head-on Collision Near Benbow

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From the California Highway Patrol:

On 12/18/2019, at approximately 0920 hours, Teiwaz Steenblock-Smith was driving a white 1994 Honda Accord northbound US 101 south of Benbow Drive. Jamie Mae Sanchez was driving a gray 2017 Toyota Prius southbound on US 101 south of Benbow Drive.

For reasons still under investigation, the Honda crossed into the southbound lanes, directly into the path of the Toyota. The Honda struck the Toyota 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 was diverted onto the off ramps for approximately four hours. There were two dogs in the Honda that died as a result of the collision. 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.