Press release from the California Highway Patrol:

On 07/14/2025, at approximately 6:15 PM, the Humboldt Area CHP received a report of a head-on crash on SR-299 near Downing Road, west of Willow Creek. Upon CHP arrival, it was determined a 2014 Chevrolet Tahoe owned by the California Department of Transportation vehicle had collided head-on with a 2003 GMC Yukon.

Based on the preliminary investigation, it was determined that the 2014 Chevrolet Tahoe was being driven eastbound on SR-299, west of Downing Road. The 2003 GMC Yukon was being driven westbound on SR-299, east of the 2014 Chevrolet Tahoe. For unknown reasons, the driver of the 2014 Chevrolet Tahoe caused it to turn to the left and cross into the westbound lane of SR-299, where it collided head-on with the 2003 GMC Yukon. The driver of the 2003 GMC Yukon, as well as one of the juvenile passengers within it, suffered serious injuries as a result of this crash. All other passengers of the 2003 GMC Yukon, and the driver of the 2014 Chevrolet Tahoe, sustained minor to moderate injuries. All involved parties and passengers were transported by ambulance to local hospitals for evaluation and treatment.

The CHP is continuing its investigation into this crash and asks anyone with information related to it to contact the Humboldt Area office at (707) 713-6300. Please reference CHP Case Number 9125-2025-00397.