Eureka Police Department press release: 

On January 9, 2022, at about 5:19 p.m., officers with the Eureka Police Department responded to northbound Highway 101, just north of the Slough Bridge, for the report of a major injury collision involving a single motorcycle.

Humboldt Bay Fire and City Ambulance provided emergency medical care on scene; however, due to the extent of the injuries the motorcyclist was pronounced deceased. Next of kin has been notified and the motorcyclist has been identified as 37-year-old Samantha Barney of Eureka.

Based on the initial investigation, it appears Barney was driving her motorcycle on northbound Highway 101 when she lost control and struck a sign in the grassy center median. No other vehicles were involved. At this time it is unknown if drugs or alcohol played a factor in the collision.