California Highway Patrol release: 

On October 2, 2024, at approximately 1930 hours, CHP Trinity River Area units were notified by CHP Redding Communications Center of a traffic crash involving a motorcycle in the area of SR-299 and Burnt Ranch. The crash scene was located on SR-299 at mile post marker 299 TRI 12.97 (Trinity County). CHP, Hawkins Bar Volunteer Fire, and a Hoopa Valley Ambulance responded to the scene to provide medical and traffic control services.

CHP units arrived on scene at 1946 hours and assumed Incident Command. Through investigation, it was determined the driver and sole occupant of the motorcycle, David Wilkie, had been traveling westbound on SR-299. For reasons still under investigation, Wilkie lost control of his motorcycle and drove off the south roadway edge of SR-299. The motorcycle collided with the steep ascending rock embankment, which ultimately caused Wilkie to be ejected from the motorcycle and collide with the embankment. Emergency personnel and civilians who witnessed the crash performed CPR and life saving efforts for approximately 30 minutes. Wilkie unfortunately succumbed to his injuries sustained as a result of this crash and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Wilkie was wearing a DOT approved helmet at the time of this crash and it is unknown at this point if alcohol or drugs are a contributing factor.

This crash remains under investigation by the CHP Trinity River Area office.

Trinity River CHP would like to thank our allied agencies for their assistance with this incident and express our sympathy to Mr. Wilkie’s family in the loss of their loved one.