Press release from the California Highway Patrol:

On July 19, 2024, at approximately 11:40 PM, the CHP Humboldt Communication Center (HCC) received a call of a vehicle versus pedestrian traffic crash on SR-96, west of Shoemaker Road.

Based on CHP’s preliminary investigation, it appears this crash occurred when 25-year-old Joseph McCovey stepped into the westbound lane of SR-96 directly into the path of a 2015 Kia Soul driven by 18-year-old Neo McKindley. As a result of this action, Mr. McCovey was struck by the 2015 Kia Soul which subsequently left the scene of the crash.

Law enforcement and emergency medical personnel responded to the scene and rendered aid to Mr. McCovey. However, despite their efforts, Mr. McCovey succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased by Hoopa Ambulance personnel.

Shortly after midnight, Mr. McKindley and his passenger, 19-year-old Dawnalee Rangel, arrived at the Hoopa Valley Tribal Police Station to report their involvement in this crash to law enforcement. Both Mr. McKindley and Ms. Rangel cooperated fully with CHP and were released pending further investigation. Whether drug and/or alcohol impairment contributed to this crash continues to be investigated.

The CHP continues to investigate this crash and asks anyone with information to contact the Humboldt Area CHP at (707) 822-5981 during business hours, or (707) 268-2000 after business hours.

The California Highway Patrol extends its condolences to the family of the deceased and would like to thank all responding agencies for their response and assistance with this investigation.