One person died this morning after driving over the edge of a roadway deep in the heart of the Cow Mountain Recreation Area that straddles the Mendocino and Lake County line. Rescuers are now actively working to recover the body.
The incident began around 10:40 a.m. when a blue vehicle reportedly drove over the edge of Trail 17 descending approximately 100 yards down the embankment. First responders were directed to the intersection of Scott’s Creek Road and Trail 17 to an area described as 2-3 miles south of the new bridge.
An air ambulance was deployed to the scene and when surveying overhead observed that the subject they were searching for appeared deceased.
As of 11:30 a.m., emergency personnel are working to make ground access to the area where the vehicle came to rest. First responders are also making contingency plans for a body recovery via helicopter if the terrain proves too difficult for personnel to access.
We recommend readers follow the On the Scanner Lake County Facebook page who gave us a heads-up about this incident.
UPDATE 12:09 p.m.: California Highway Patrol H30 Helicopter is inbound to assist with body recovery.
Please remember that this story is unfolding. Information is being reported as we gather it. However, some of the information coming from witnesses and initial official reports could be wrong. We will do our best to get the facts but, in the case that something is inaccurate, we will update with correct information as soon as we can.
Sad end to what was probably a fun day off-roading . I used to go dirt bike riding up in them hills many years ago and saw many a man and their machines hauled outta there. So many trails that have hidden dangers for those who are new to the terrain. And of course for the weekend warriors with their new 4 wheelers who push the speed up in their new toys. Heart goes out to the friends and family of the deceased. Be careful off-roading !