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PREVIOUSLY: CHP Watch

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Press release from the California Highway Patrol:

On October 27, 2024, at approximately 1848 hours, the California Highway Patrol’s (CHP) Humboldt Communications Center received a call of a solo vehicle crash on Matilton Road, just south of Loop Road.

CHP Humboldt Area units responded to the scene and, upon initial investigation, it was determined the driver of a 2016 Dodge Challenger was driving south on Matilton Rd., at an unknown speed, just south of Loop Rd.

For unknown reasons, the driver turned the Dodge unsafely to the left causing it to go off of the east edge of Matilton Rd., and down a cliff. The Dodge impacted multiple trees and ultimately came to rest at the bottom of the cliff.

After coming to rest, the Dodge caught fire and became fully engulfed. The driver, and only occupant of the Dodge, was still inside when it caught fire and was unfortunately pronounced deceased on scene.

Personnel from the Hoopa Volunteer Fire Department, the Hoopa Tribal Police Department, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office and the California Highway Patrol assisted with this traffic crash.

The California Highway Patrol, along with the Humboldt County Coroner’s Office, are actively working to confirm the identity of the involved party.

The use of alcohol and/or drug(s) is unknown at this time.

The CHP Humboldt Area office is continuing to investigate this crash and asks anyone who may have information related to the investigation to call the office at 707-822-5981.