California Highway Patrol release: 

On November 18, 2023, at approximately 0115 hours, a 2020 Cadillac Escalade, was traveling northbound on US-101 north of Steele Lane, in the vicinity of Laytonville, CA. For reasons still under investigation, the driver of the Cadillac veered off the west road edge of US-101 and collided with a tree. The Cadillac came to rest on its wheels, facing in an easterly direction at the base of the highway embankment and became fully engulfed in flames and the driver of the Cadillac succumbed to their injuries at the scene.

The identity of the driver is being withheld until notification of kin is made by the Mendocino County Coroner’s office. This crash remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol, Garberville Area.

The following agencies responded to the scene and assisted with this incident: Laytonville Fire Department, CAL-FIRE, and the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office.