Traffic Collision Near Willits Results in Fatality and Three People Sent to Hospital

On October 14, 2020 at 1743 hours, a 2011 Kenworth was driving northbound on US-101 south of mile marker 45.55. A 2004 Chevrolet pickup truck was driving northbound on US-101 behind the Kenworth. A 2012 Toyota pickup truck was driving southbound on US-101 north of mile marker 45.55. The Chevrolet crossed over double yellow lines and passed the Kenworth. The Chevrolet passed the Kenworth and continued traveling northbound in the southbound lane and subsequently collided head-on with the Toyota. The impact of the collision forced the Chevrolet back into the northbound lane and was then struck by the Kenworth. The Toyota came to rest blocking the northbound lanes. The driver of the Chevrolet was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Toyota was transported to Howard Memorial Hospital and later transported via air to Santa Rosa Memorial. Both passengers of the Toyota were taken to Howard Memorial Hospital. One of the passengers, a female juvenile, was flown to Oakland Children’s Hospital. The driver of the Kenworth sustained no injuries. The deceased party was transported from the scene to Eversole Mortuary. The collision investigation is being handled by CHP Ukiah. The death investigation and family notification is being handled by the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Department (MCSO). The name of the deceased will be released by MCSO pending notification of the deceased’s family. The driver of the Chevrolet did not appear to be wearing his seatbelt. The occupants of the Toyota and the Kenworth were wearing their seatbelts. It is unknown at this time if alcohol or drugs are a factor in this collision. This collision is still under investigation.