The following is a press release issued by the California Highway Patrol. The information has not been proven in a court of law and any individuals described should be presumed innocent until proven guilty:
On August 16, 2022 at approximately 1:20 AM, Jose Piedra Villasenor was driving a red Ford Ranger east on SR-162 west of mile post marker 8.30 with his passenger seated in the front right passenger seat. For reasons still under investigation, the Ford Ranger left the north roadway edge, became airborne and overturned several times down a steep embankment. While the Ford Ranger was overturning Jose Piedra Villasenor was ejected from the vehicle. The Ford Ranger then came to rest on its roof and the passenger sustained fatal injuries as a result of this collision. The passenger’s name is being withheld until notification of kin. Jose Piedra Villasenor was air lifted to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital where he was treated for moderate injuries.
The California Highway Patrol, the Department of Fish and Wildlife, Laytonville Fire Department, Little Lake Fire Department, and the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Department all responded to the scene. This collision remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol – Garberville Area.
CHP-288A-Fatal-on-SR-162-MPM-8.30
