[Update: Hoopa Man Passed Away] Hoopa Man and McKinleyville Woman Injured During Accident on Hwy 299

Press release from the California Highway Patrol:

On the morning of Sunday, August 30, a Lexus sedan was traveling eastbound on State Route 299, east of East Fork Bridge, drove head-on into a Toyota Tacoma pickup traveling westbound.

At approximately 11:25 a.m., 82 year old male, Christopher F Colgrove of Hoopa was driving a 2004 Lexus IS300 eastbound on State Route 299, east of East Fork Bridge.  Colgrove attempted to negotiate a left curve in the roadway at an unsafe speed for the curve and wet roadway conditions.  This caused him to lose control of the Lexus.

The Lexus went into the opposing lane which was occupied by a 2000 Toyota Tacoma being driven by 40 year old female, Cinnamon Tiffany VanHorn of McKinleyville.  VanHorn took evasive action and turned the Tacoma to the left in an attempt to avoid a collision but the vehicle collided head-on.

Both vehicles came to rest upright on all four wheels, partially on the north shoulder and partially in the westbound traffic lane.

Both involved drivers were transported to Mad River Community Hospital by Hoopa Ambulance.  Colgrove sustained major injuries to his head, neck and spine.  VanHorn sustained complaint of pain to her chest and abdomen.

One-way controlled traffic was maintained with the assistance of Willow Creek Volunteer Fire Department.  All occupants were restrained and DUI is not a factor in this collision.

The California Highway Patrol Humboldt Area is investigating this traffic collision.

Update August 31:

Driver, Christopher F. Colgrove was flown to Mercy Redding where he passed away as a result of this traffic collision.