Fatal Accident North of Weott

CHP press release:

On April 7th, 2012, at 1:55 pm, 18 year old Zachary Gerald Cooper of Arcata, California was driving a 1991 Isuzu Rodeo southbound on US-101, north of Weott, California.  His passenger, 19 year old Zoe Olivia Claire Cooper, also of Arcata was seated in the front passenger seat.  Due to reasons still under investigation, Mr. Cooper lost control of his vehicle, causing his vehicle to overturn while still in the southbound lanes of US-101.

The Isuzu then left the west roadway edge and continued down an embankment where it came to rest against a tree.  Ms. Cooper received fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene by emergency personnel.  Mr. Cooper was transported by ambulance to Redwood Memorial Hospital in Fortuna with minor to moderate injuries.  Southbound US-101 was reduced to one traffic lane until approximately 6:00 pm while the collision scene was being investigated.  Both occupants had their seatbelts on at the time of this collision and DUI is not believed to be a factor. The California Highway Patrol Garberville Area is investigating this collision.