[Updated With Names] Two Missing Firefighters Discovered Deceased in Vehicle Overturned in Trinity River

Press release from the California Highway Patrol Office: (See previous story here.)

CHP

CHP

On the afternoon of Thursday, July 9, a citizen reported to a California Highway Patrol (CHP) Willow Creek unit of an overturned vehicle in the Trinity River near Kimtu Beach.  The CHP and other emergency personnel responded to the scene and located an overturned black Toyota SUV submerged in the Trinity River with two deceased occupants.  A preliminary investigation indicates the vehicle drove off Seeley McIntosh Road sometime between Wednesday night and Thursday afternoon.

It was previously reported to the CHP Redding Communications Center that two U.S. Forest Service firefighters left work in Salyer Wednesday night and never showed up for work Thursday morning.  CHP and Humboldt County Sheriff Department units searched possible travel routes and were initially unable to locate the missing firefighters or their vehicle.

The two deceased occupants are confirmed to be that of the two missing firefighters.  The identification of the two victims are being withheld until their families are notified.

The California Highway Patrol Humboldt Area office is investigating this traffic collision.  Our thoughts are with the U.S. Forest Service and the community of Willow Creek in the loss of two firefighters dedicated to serving their community.

UPDATE July 10 12:44 p.m.:

The two U.S. Forest Service firefighters that died in this traffic collision have been identified as 29 year old Dale Alexander Mendes of Willow Creek (Driver) and 19 year old Jason Fritz Price, Jr. of Weitchpec (Right front passenger).

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8 Comments
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David Hayes
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David Hayes
8 years ago

So sorry for both family’s, and for the forest service, these are people who are there to help us, such another sad and tragic story, my sincere condolences to all involved.

moocow
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moocow
8 years ago
Reply to  David Hayes

Yes

tugboat
Guest
8 years ago

God bless all fire fighters and their families. so very sad for the loss of good quality men in a very difficult job. Jesus bless the families.

Tweek County
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Tweek County
8 years ago
Reply to  tugboat

If there was a god or jesus, they wouldn’t have killed them. Praying does nothing except waste time.

firebrand
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firebrand
8 years ago
Reply to  Tweek County

Posts like this are mean-spirited. Whether you believe in God or not, why can’t you take the comment the way it was intended – as a wish for peace and healing to the families who are hurting so badly right now?

nines
Guest
8 years ago

Rest their souls.

Don Matta
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Don Matta
8 years ago

I absolutely agree with this I tried being a Christian most of my life but I never felt that it fit me only until I found being Pagan did it feel right!!!

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[…] to Dale Alexander Mendes of Willow Creek. Mendes along with Jason Fritz Price, Jr. of Weitchpec died in a traffic accident earlier this month. The two U.S. Forest Service firefighters left work on Wednesday, July 8 and did not turn up for […]