UPDATE: 11:30 a.m.

CHP press release: 

Eureka, California – On the morning of Sunday, September 27, a 1999 Cadillac Escalade was traveling on US-101 southbound, north of Humboldt Hill, when it collided into pedestrian who was walking in the traffic lanes. 

 

At approximately 2:05 a.m., Teresa Louise Graham, age 28, of Eureka, was driving a 1999 Cadillac Escalade on US-101 southbound, north of Humboldt Hill.  A pedestrian, unknown identity, was wearing dark clothing and walking across the traffic lanes.  As the Cadillac’s headlights illuminated the pedestrian, Graham turned the vehicle to the left and applied the brakes in an attempt to avoid a collision.  Grahams’ attempt to avoid a collision was unsuccessful and the right front of the Cadillac struck the pedestrian.  As a result of this collision, the pedestrian sustained major injuries and was transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Eureka.  Due to the severity of the pedestrian’s injuries, he was air lifted to Santa Rosa Medial Center by the US Coast Guard.  While en route to Santa Rosa Medical Center, the man succumbed to his injuries he sustained as a result of this collision.  Graham was uninjured and released from the scene.  Alcohol or drugs are not suspected to be a factor in this collision.  The California Highway Patrol Humboldt Area is investigating this traffic collision.

The California Highway Patrol would like to take this unfortunate opportunity to remind motorist to be watchful for people walking and people bicycling; obey all speed limits; avoid distractions; and know the laws regarding pedestrian right-of-way.

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A pedestrian walking on the highway near the Elk River overpass was struck by a vehicle a little after 2 a.m., according to CHP dispatch logs (below).

At 7 a.m. this morning, dispatchers note that the pedestrian was pronounced dead. 

A CHP officer at the scene told kymkemp.com’s Oliver Cory that the pedestrian — who appeared to be a transient — was walking across the highway when he was struck. The driver, who was sober, swerved, but failed to avoid the person walking into her lane.

We will update when we know more.