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After decades of conducting its own postmortem medical examinations through contracted physicians and pathologists, Humboldt County this month began outsourcing autopsy and pathology services to a Sacramento-based medical practice.

This change in longstanding procedure will more than double the cost of autopsies and pathology services — from less than $300,000 to $677,128 in General Fund expenditures per year — but a county staff report argues that it’s the only viable option given a shortage of licensed forensic pathologists serving rural California counties.

Early last year, the Coroner Division of the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) learned that its contracted forensic pathologist was no longer available due to medical issues. After searching for a replacement locally and across the region, HCSO found just one candidate — a Sacramento pathologist who expressed a willingness to travel to Humboldt County but whose schedule couldn’t accommodate the county’s workload. 

As a temporary solution, the county hired a contractor to conduct forensic autopsies as needed while also requesting mutual aid through Mendocino County. Now, HCSO has contracted with Bennet Omalu Pathology to provide comprehensive autopsy and postmortem examination services indefinitely.

A county staff report describes Dr. Omalu (who famously published findings on CTE in American football players and was portrayed by Will Smith in the 2015 movie “Concussion”) as “the most reasonable and reliable option,” noting that he provides coroner-related services for several other counties, including Mendocino.

“This contract is the only reasonable and sustainable option currently available to ensure Humboldt County maintains compliance with policies, procedures and the law,” the staff report says.

The Humboldt County Coroner Office, which was consolidated with the Sheriff’s Office in 2015, is legally responsible for investigating deaths from across the county, identifying the deceased and determining the date, time, place and manner of their demise.

Each year, roughly 800 deaths are reported to the Coroner Division for review. Of those, about 200 require autopsies, either because the cause of death has not been determined or because the death was unexpected, suspicious, accidental, suicidal, homicidal or requiring further inquiry.

New contract ends volunteer intern program

Emma, a College of the Redwoods student with hopes of becoming a medical examiner one day, received a text Monday evening from an employee in the Coroner Division, where she’s been interning as an autopsy assistant for nearly a year. (Emma is a pseudonym; she asked us not to use her real name.)

The text read, “Unfortunately, the autopsy volunteer program has been discontinued.”

Emma was stunned. 

“I was like, ‘The whole program? Why?’” she recalled when reached by phone on Tuesday.

She was informed that the outside company taking over autopsies, Bennet Omalu Pathology, has its own assistants.

“I’m kind of upset with the whole situation,” Emma told the Outpost. “I really, really loved going in and doing the autopsies and getting the work experience. It was kind of a big part of my life.”

As an intern, Emma said she and her fellow volunteers — of which there were nearly two dozen, last she heard — would assist on autopsies, which involved a wide variety of tasks, from prepping the room before the doctor arrived to drawing fluids, taking notes, documenting the size and weight of organs and sewing up and cleaning the body before returning it to the freezer. 

The volunteers were gaining in-the-field knowledge for a variety of careers.

“I worked with two people that were EMTs in training, and were using it as an opportunity to get that experience, and one person who is a firefighter in training, so it’s not like it’s just people who want to get into the coroners field,” Emma said, adding that the volunteer labor helped save the county money.

She plans to check with Bennet Omalu Pathology to see if they accept volunteer interns, but she’s not optimistic.

“I doubt I’m going to have many other opportunities like this,” Emma said. “It was kind of a major thing for me to have access to that sort of information on exactly what the field entailed. Not only did it give me the emotional experience I’m going to need going into the field … but it also gave me a lot of technical knowledge. It helped me learn how an autopsy goes. It helped me learn what the legal situations surrounding someone’s death are. It taught me a lot of things that you don’t learn in, you know, standard biology courses.”

California law requires county coroners to investigate certain deaths, including unnatural ones, deaths where the attending physician can’t determine a cause and deaths where a physician didn’t examine the body within a certain time period. 

The county describes autopsies as “one of the most serious and sensitive functions” it performs, noting, “The public depends on an independent and professional death investigation process.”

While the Sheriff’s Office acknowledges that outsourcing these services will be more expensive, the county says HCSO “has been unable to identify a practical, qualified, and legally sufficient alternative.”

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Road closures and evacuation warnings remain in place for the Mile Post 16 Fire burning along Hwy. 96 between Hoopa and Weitchpec. The fire has grown to 80 acres and is 40% contained, according to the Hoopa Office of Emergency Services (OES). As of this writing, no structures are threatened, and the fire remains within containment lines.

Evacuation warnings are still in place for the following zones:

• HIA-E002: north of Oil Springs Rd., south of California Highway 96, east of Bigfoot Scenic Byway, west of Oil Springs Road, Forest Route 10n02
• HIA-E003: north of Carpenter Lane, Pine Creek Rd., south of Bloody Camp Rd., east of Pine Creek Rd., French Camp Rd., west of Bigfoot Scenic Byway

Hwy. 96 will remain closed between Hoopa and Weitchpec overnight to accommodate fire suppression operations and reduce hazards along the roadway, according to Caltrans District 1. Maintenance crews and fire officials will reevaluate conditions early Friday morning.

The Hoopa OES shared the following update on the Mile Post 16 Fire on Facebook:

Dear Community,

We want to provide you with the latest information on the Milepost Fire. As of now, the fire has grown 80 acres and is currently 40% contained. Recent firing operations have been implemented to help strengthen containment lines and manage the situation.

Firefighters are actively working to protect our community and natural resources. We urge everyone to remain vigilant and adhere to any safety guidelines or evacuation orders issued by local authorities.

Stay tuned for further updates, and thank you for your cooperation and support during this challenging time.

🌲 Stay safe, Hoopa! — Hoopa OES Team

More information can be found in the following press release from the North Coast Interagency Type 3 Incident Management Team:

The Incident Management Team extends its appreciation to Incident Commander BLM Trainee Mark Booker and the initial attack resources whose aggressive and coordinated response significantly limited fire growth during the first operational period. At this time, no structures are threatened, and the fire remains within its current footprint.

The North Coast Interagency Type 3 Incident Management Team, led by IC Rod Mendes officially assumed command of the Mile Post Fire at 6:00 p.m. yesterday, continuing suppression operations in close coordination with the Hoopa Valley Tribe, USWFS, Yurok PD, Yurok Fire , Blue Lake Rancheria Fire Hoopa PD., CHP, U.S. Forest Service, Humboldt County Sheriff, and CAL FIRE.

Current Fire Situation

The Mile Post Fire remains within its established operational footprint. Firefighters continue working to keep the fire:

• North of Mill Creek Road
• South of Norton Creek
• West of Norton Creek Road
• East of Highway 96

Crews made substantial progress yesterday by strengthening containment lines in steep, rugged terrain. Heavy equipment successfully connected control lines along the upper portion of the incident, linking with the Division A/Division Z break. Firefighters are planning strategic burnout operations to strengthen containment where conditions allow.

The fire continues to burn in extremely steep and inaccessible terrain with numerous hazards, including rolling rocks, burning material, and heavy fuels. Firefighter safety remains the highest priority throughout all suppression operations.

Evacuations

Evacuation warnings are currently in effect. For more updated information visit https://humboldtgov.org/2383/Current-Emergencies.

Road Closures

Highway 96 will remain closed today due to hazardous conditions and fire operations on the roadway. The designated alternate route remains Nixon-Dowd Road. Motorists are encouraged to follow all posted closures and directions from law enforcement and fire personnel.

Residents are reminded to remain alert for changing conditions and monitor official updates from the Hoopa Valley Office of Emergency Services, Hoopa Wildland Fire, and the North Coast Interagency Type 3 Incident Management Team.

Weather

Warm, dry weather will continue across the incident today with sunny skies and no chance of precipitation. Valley temperatures are expected to reach 84–92°F, while ridgetops will remain 70–78°F. Afternoon minimum relative humidity will drop to 35–45% in the valleys and 44–54% on the ridges, resulting in continued drying of fine fuels. Northwest winds will remain generally light at 5–8 mph, with typical upslope winds during the day and downslope winds overnight. Firefighters will continue monitoring weather conditions closely, as the combination of warm temperatures and low humidity may contribute to increased fire activity during the afternoon burning period.

Operational Priorities

Operational objectives for the next 24 hours include:

Incoming Incident Commander Rod Mendes emphasized that firefighter safety, protection of the Hoopa Valley community, and preservation of cultural resources will remain the team’s top priorities.

With changing weather conditions expected, the Incident Management Team will continue evaluating resource needs daily to ensure sufficient personnel and equipment are available. The team will also work closely with the Hoopa Valley Tribe to ensure suppression efforts reflect Tribal priorities and protect culturally significant areas.

Strong Partnership with the Hoopa Valley Tribe

Hoopa Valley Tribal Chairman Joe Davis thanked responding agencies for their rapid response and reaffirmed the Tribe’s commitment to supporting suppression efforts. He emphasized the importance of protecting Tribal lands and cultural resources through continued collaboration.

The North Coast Interagency Type 3 Incident Management Team thanks the community for its continued patience and support as firefighters work to safely contain the Mile Post Fire while protecting lives, property, and the cultural and natural resources of the Hoopa Valley.

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Note: This post has been updated to include additional information from Hoopa OES.

Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On July 8, 2026, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) Special Services Division, in conjunction with the HCSO Search and Rescue (SAR) Team and CARDA K9 teams, initiated search and rescue efforts in the Terra Vista neighborhood in McKinleyville for missing at-risk 77-year-old James Jaworski, who was last seen in the area.

On July 9, 2026, at approximately 9:49 a.m., search teams located James Jaworski deceased within the designated search area. The Humboldt County Coroner’s Office responded to the scene, and Mr. Jaworski’s next of kin has been notified.

The cause and manner of death are currently under investigation. An autopsy is pending.

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office extends its sincere appreciation to the members of the HCSO Search and Rescue Team, the CARDA K9 teams, and the assisting personnel from partner agencies outside Humboldt County who dedicated their time and resources to this search mission.

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office offers its heartfelt condolences to the Jaworski family and loved ones during this difficult time.

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Press release from the Humboldt County Association of Governments:

Humboldt County roads saw 165 fatal collisions between 2018 and 2024, an annual average well above state and national figures. In response, the Humboldt County Association of Governments (HCAOG) has committed to a regional Vision Zero policy with the goal of eliminating serious injuries and fatalities on our roads.

In partnership with local cities, HCAOG is rolling out a series of temporary traffic calming measures across the county this summer. These demonstration projects are part of the Humboldt County Vision Zero Action Plan, a project funded by the US Department of Transportation Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program. demonstrations are an important step toward a safer future. 

“Fatal crashes on our roadways are unacceptable. The Safe System approach takes proactive steps to design safer streets with lower speeds, encourage safer road user behavior, and utilize technology to make vehicles safer,” said Stephen Luther, Senior Regional Planner for HCAOG.

What and Where are the Safety Demonstrations?  

• Arcata — Six rubber speed humps installed along 11th and K Streets, accompanied by radar speed feedback signs. 
• Ferndale — Speed humps, pavement markings and bike lane striping along 5th Avenue between Arlington Street and Shaw Avenue.
• Eureka — Temporary mini roundabout striping, wheel stops, and delineators at the intersections of Pine Street and West Hawthorne Street, and at Humboldt Street and G Street. 
• Fortuna — Programmable radar speed feedback signs along the 12th Street and Ross Hill Road school corridors. 

Installation schedules and duration vary, but all projects will be installed by the end of July and remain up for eight to twelve weeks (or longer for radar feedback signs).

Community Feedback Shapes the Future  

Each city will measure vehicle speed before and during the demonstration project. Community feedback gathered during the projects will also be incorporated into the findings about what types of traffic safety interventions help road users feel safe.

These data points will be incorporated into the final Vision Zero Action Plan expected in late 2026.  Once complete, the plan will outline engineering and policy-driven solutions to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries from our region’s most dangerous roads.
The plan will be used by various cities in Humboldt County for securing state and federal road safety grants to implement infrastructure improvements. 

How to Get Involved? 

Travel through the demonstration sites and share your feedback with a public survey. The survey will be posted at the project sites and is also available online at bit.ly/HumVZAP.

Project consultants from the SmithGroup along with HCAOG staff will be at the demonstration sites to collect feedback on Monday and Tuesday July 20 and 21. Come by at the locations and times below to see additional information and discuss safety projects.

• Ferndale - Monday 7/20 from 4-7 PM along 5th Ave.
• Eureka - Tuesday 7/21 from 12:30-1:45 at Pine St/W. Hawthorne; 1:45-3:30 PM at G/Humboldt.
• Arcata - Tuesday 7/21 from 4-7 PM at the intersection of 11th and K Streets.

For more information on the Vision Zero demonstration projects and the Humboldt County Vision Zero Action Plan, please visit https://www.hcaog.net/programs-projects/vision-zero-action-plan or contact the Humboldt County Association of Governments (HCAOG), Stephen Luther, Senior Regional Planner at Stephen.luther@hcaog.net or 707-444-8208.

Press release from the Humboldt County Office of Elections:

The Humboldt County Office of Elections reminds the community that the Statewide General Election will be held on Nov. 3, and many local elected positions will be on the ballot. Individuals interested in running for an elected position on the Nov. 3 ballot should know that important filing deadlines are coming up soon.

City Council seats in Arcata, Blue Lake, Eureka, Ferndale, Fortuna, Rio Dell and Trinidad will all be up for election, along with mayor races in Eureka and Ferndale. Numerous school district trustee positions from Arcata to Southern Humboldt will also be on the ballot, as well as a seat on the Redwoods Community College District Board of Trustees. Additional elected positions representing water districts, fire protection districts, community services districts and the Humboldt Bay Harbor, Recreation and Conservation District round out the local contests.

You can find a detailed list of candidate seats available by office by visiting the HumboldtGov.org/Elections. 

Important Filing Deadlines

Candidates looking to run for office in the November 3 Statewide General Election should be aware of these important filing deadlines:

• Declaration of Candidacy & Nomination Papers: July 13 – Aug. 7 at 5 p.m.

• Nomination Extension Period: Extended to Aug. 12 at 5 p.m.*

• Write-In Period: Sept. 7 – Oct. 20 at 5 p.m.

*Occurs only when an incumbent fails to file for reelection by 5 p.m. on the normal filing deadline.

Candidates for all city offices must file required paperwork at the City Hall corresponding to the office they are seeking.

Candidates for county offices, school districts and special districts may obtain and file required paperwork at the Humboldt County Office of Elections. The Elections Office, located at 2426 Sixth St. in Eureka, is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding county holidays. 

Prospective candidates are encouraged to visit the Elections Office in person or call 707-445-7481 for more detailed information and assistance.

For more information about the upcoming November 3 Statewide General Election, to check your voter registration status or apply to be an election worker, please visit HumboldtGov.org/Elections.

About the Humboldt County Office of Elections

The Humboldt County Office of Elections is dedicated to conducting fair, accurate and transparent elections, ensuring the voice of the community is heard and that electoral integrity is maintained. The Elections Office is committed to upholding the democratic process, providing reliable information and maintaining an open line of communication with the public. For more information, visit HumboldtGov.org/Elections.

Donna Eileen (McWhorter) Timmerman passed away peacefully at her Fortuna home in the early morning hours of  June 15th.

She was born to Tom and Bernice McWhorter in 1954.  Maybe because she was the forth of six kids, “Donut,” as our dad called her, was always the quiet one. With her left eye slightly scrunched, she watched and listened.  She had a great sense of humor and an easy chuckle that came frequently as she shared jokes with her funny husband, Perry, or watched the antics of her faithful dogs, Milo and Teddy.

Donna, also known as DT by many, met Perry Timmerman at a track meet in high school. Under the watchful eyes of our parents, they quickly became inseparable. She knew he was the one she with whom she would spend her life. They married in 1974 and remained true partners and best friends for 52 years.  

Their son, Nicolas, was born in 1979, bringing much happiness and joy into their lives. Donna loved being his mother. Her natural shy character was tested when Nicholas had a serious illness at a young age. She became a fierce advocate for Nic. We always admired her steadfast devotion to him, and their special relationship. 

Although Donna had an affinity for numbers and spent her working life in accounting, she was incredibly artistic. Her mediums were jewelry and pottery. She used these artistic talents to create a beautiful home. Seeking out inspirations on Pinterest, she loved to decorate for all the seasons or parties. She could create an atmosphere out of nothing. 

Donna was the “queen” of cookbooks. She loved to thumb through her vast collection, looking for new recipes to serve to  at family gatherings. She was our own “Ina Garten” and “Martha Stewart “ rolled into one,  always generously sharing her creative talents with family & friends. Her artistic soul was highlighted in her beautifully presented meals.

Besides her “boys,” her best friends were her sisters and brother. Over the years, there were many sisters’ weekends that brought much laughter, sharing wine while cooking together, playing games, and spending quality time together just enjoying each other’s company. She also enjoyed trips to Hawaii with Perry and with family.

One adventurous summer, the three Timmermans traveled to Italy. She loved seeing the Vatican and the art but especially staying in a villa in the hills above Florence, enjoying life on a winery.

As our parents aged and faced health issues, Donna was steadfastly there to assist them in anything they needed, be it doctor’s appointments, caregiving, preparing meals or helping to manage their finances. She was a rock for them.

When Donna was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, she went through the process with grace and courage. Even after her ability to talk diminished, she continued to laugh and enjoy the company of family. With the support of family, as part of her care team along with Hospice, Perry became her full-time caregiver and was never far from her side. She always knew when he wasn’t in the room. She would ask where he was and call out for him, and he would come right in, always responding with love and patience. Perry is our hero! The love and devotion they shared is inspiring. 

Donna is survived by her husband Perry; son Nic and his family; sisters Pat, Carol, Kathleen, Ellie and their families; her brothers-in-law Joe and Kelly Timmerman and their families. Her parents, her brother Ted and goddaughter Gretchen passed before her, as did her in-laws Vane and MaryAnn Timmerman and brother-in-law Alan Timmerman. 

The family would like to thank Hospice of Humboldt and the community for their support. A celebration of life will take place at a later date. 

If you wish, you can donate to Kore Family House, 1234 10th Ave., San Francisco, CA 94122, Hospice of Humboldt, or Alzheimers Humboldt.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Donna Timmerman’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.

Virginia “Winnie” McKenzie crossed to the next world on Saturday June 27, 2026, after a long illness.

Winnie was born on August 20, 1957, and she peacefully left this world surrounded by her immediate family. 

Winnie is survived by her daughter Carrie McKenzie; grandchildren Bryson, Poywason, Kehloni, and Bodie; sisters Shirley Laos, Vivian Nelson, Janice Lewis, and Sonya Rhodes; brothers David Lewis, Jamie Lewis, and David Weatherford; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends. 

Winnie was preceded in death by her daughter Brombe Lewis; sister Ruby Rollings; brothers Roger Lewis and John Lewis; nephews Anthony “Tony” Lewis and Vernon Weathrford; and her parents Vera Green and Andrew Lewis. 

She loved spending time with her grandchildren, crocheting, going to the Humboldt Crabs Baseball games, and was an avid fan of the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Dodgers. Winnie was an enrolled member of Trinidad Rancheria and a descendant of the Yurok, Karuk, and Chetco people.

Visitation will be held on Monday, July 13, from 1-5 p.m. at Sanders Funeral Home at 7835 E. St. Eureka, Calif. Gravesite services will be held on Tuesday, July 14, at 10 a.m. at Trinidad Cemetery officiated by Pastor Kevin Lockhart. Following will be a Celebration of Life Gathering to be held at The Heights Bingo Hall at 5 p.m. 

Pallbearers are Brett McKenzie, Poywason Lewis, David Lewis, Bryson Lewis, Kenneth Childs, and David Weatherford. 

Honorary pallbearers are Corbin Childs, Wyatt Childs, Sam Albers, Russel Albers, Jonny Laos, Jamie Lewis, Trevor Mead, Leroy Med, and Frank Miguel. 

A special thanks to the Trinidad Rancheria staff and members for support during this difficult time.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Winnie McKenzie’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.