Press release from the California Highway Patrol:

On Monday, November 4, at 1103 hours, the California Highway Patrol’s (CHP) Humboldt Communications Center received a call involving a solo-vehicle traffic crash on southbound State Route 169, south of Notchko Flat Road. CHP Humboldt Area units responded to investigate the incident.

Upon initial investigation, it was determined that the driver of the Nissan was traveling southbound State Route 169, south of Notchko Flat Road, approaching a left curve in the roadway. For unknown reasons, the driver allowed the Nissan to travel off the west edge of the roadway and down a descending embankment. This caused the Nissan to overturn until the roof of the Nissan collided with, and came to rest against, a tree. Responding emergency medical personnel declared the driver of the Nissan deceased on the scene.

State Route 169 was closed periodically for approximately three and a half hours and has since been reopened. The use of alcohol and/or drug(s) is unknown at this time. This incident is still being investigated by the CHP Humboldt Area.

For additional information, contact CHP Humboldt Area Public Informations Officer P. Craft at (707) 822-5981.