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 7/01/2023, at 0532 hours, a Garberville Resident Post unit out of Laytonville was advised of a solo vehicle down the embankment and debris in the roadway. CalFire and Laytonville Fire responded. Upon their arrival, they located a solo occupant trapped in the vehicle. However, by the time the occupant was able to be extricated from the vehicle, the occupant succumbed to her injuries on scene.
Preliminary investigation indicates the vehicle was traveling N/B on US-101, when for reasons still under investigation, the vehicle veered off of the east side of the roadway where it struck the embankment, causing the vehicle to overturn, travel across all three lanes of traffic, and down the embankment on the west side of the roadway. The identity of the driver is being withheld pending notification of next-of-kin.
No indication on a second vehicle involved. No suspected mechanical failure. Alcohol or drugs do not appear to be a factor.
The California Highway Patrol, Cal Fire, Laytonville Fire Department, Medi Star Ambulance, and the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Department all responded to the scene. This collision remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol – Garberville Area.
US-101-MPM-75.3
My deepest condolences to the family and friends. My child’s father was killed in a car accident in 2020 near this same mile marker. Lost control of his vehicle in the rain and spun into oncoming traffic. No drugs or alcohol involved and he was an excellent driver. It’s an incredibly bad patch of highway and really should be fixed. There is a whoop in the NB 101 lane when you go around the turn that makes it way too easy to loose control of your vehicle. There should be lights and better signage. The reduced speed sign is AFTER a turn that if you hit even a little too fast could be deadly. The reduced speed sign should come before the turn. Even on a sunny day, it’s the worst patch of highway on the entire 101. Too many people lose their lives on this stretch of road locals call “Rattlesnake Gulch.” It should be repaired and lights and signage added.
Thank You. This was my Aunt Kathy. We will all miss her.
She was my daughter’s teacher at one time then my others daughters mentor and boss. We loved her and she will be so greatly missed by her students and those who worked with her and loved her….
Sorry for your loss Jason. Kj was an amazing teacher and person.