Press release from the California Highway Patrol:

On March 5, 2024, at approximately 1951 hours [7:51 p.m.], CHP Humboldt Communications Center (HCC) received a report of a car fire, with subjects trapped in the vehicle, at the intersection of Singley Road and Singley Hill Road.

Emergency personnel responded to the scene and determined a 2001 Nissan Frontier and a 2017 Freightliner semi-truck towing unloaded double flatbed trailers had collided. The crash caused the Nissan to catch fire with two occupants trapped within the vehicle.

The driver of the Freightliner, 20-year-old Logan Morais of McKinleyville, was uninjured, and with the help of a bystander, removed 65-year-old Guadalupe Ramirez of Fortuna from the burning Nissan. Mr. Ramirez suffered major injuries as a result of this crash and was transported to St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka. Sadly, 16-year-old Daniel Ramirez of Fortuna remained trapped inside the Nissan where he succumbed to his injuries.

Drug and alcohol impairment of Mr. Morais was ruled out on scene. The seating positions and whether impairment was a factor for the occupants of the Nissan remains under investigation.

The CHP Humboldt Area office would like to thank the personnel of Loleta Fire Department, City Ambulance of Eureka, Cal Trans, Bear River Band Police Department, Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, Fortuna Police Department, Ferndale Police Department, and all other agencies that assisted with the on scene investigation of this matter.

Our heartfelt condolences are extended to everyone affected by this crash. As we continue our investigation, anyone with information is asked to contact the California Highway Patrol at (707) 822-5981.