On 06/28/2019, at approximately 1020 PM, Humboldt Area CHP responded to a report of a vehicle collision on Humboldt Hill Rd. Upon arrival officers discovered a 2005 Ford F250 pickup, driven by 25 year old Ryder Stapp of Fields Landing, had collided into a house. Officers determined that Stapp, while traveling northbound on Humboldt Hill Road at a high rate of speed, allowed the Ford to travel off the roadway, through a parking lot, and eventually collide with a house.
After the collision, Stapp attempted to flee the scene on foot. Citizens on scene, however, were able to detain Stapp until CHP arrival. The residents of the house, Mr. Robert Beland and Mrs. Elizabeth Martin, were in bed at the time of the collision and each suffered injuries related to the crash. Emergency medical personnel responded to the scene and provided medical aid to the involved parties. Mr. Beland was transported to St. Joseph’s hospital were he later succumbed to his injuries. Mrs. Martin was also transported to the hospital for treatment of her injuries.
Stapp was subsequently arrested and booked into the Humboldt County Jail for charges related to DUI, Hit and Run and Vehicular Manslaughter.
Excessive speed and alcohol are believed to have been factors in this collision.
The California Highway Patrol Humboldt Area is continuing its investigation into this collision and is asking anyone with additional information to contact the Humboldt Area CHP Office at 707-822-5981 or to send an email to humboldt_area.humboldt_area@chp.ca.gov.
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