One Person Medevacked to Redding, One Sent to Fortuna Hospital After Last Night’s Collision

Emergency vehicles respond to last night’s accident north of Redway.

This is a press release from 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 10/29/2015 at approximately 1935 hours, a Ford Explorer, driven by 32 year old Charles Potthoff was traveling southbound on US-101 within the number two lane, approaching Dean Creek Road. For reasons still under investigation, Potthoff lost control of the Ford and the Ford collided with the guardrail west of US-101. As a result the Ford overturned and ultimately came to rest on its left side partially within the number one and number two lanes of southbound US-101. Potthoff was able to exit the Ford and walk to a safe location, where he awaited emergency personnel response.

At approximately 1940 hours, a Volkswagen Cabrio, driven by 50 year old David Zinner was traveling southbound on US-101 within the number one lane, approaching the overturned Ford. For reasons still under investigation, Zinner was unable to slow for the overturned Ford and the front of the Volkswagen collided with the roof / hood of the Ford. After the collision, the Ford was overturned back on to its wheels, blocking the number one lane of southbound US-101 and the Volkswagen came to rest blocking the number one lane of southbound US-101.

Zinner and the passenger of the Volkswagen suffered major injures as a result of this traffic collision. Zinner was transported by Reach Air Medical services to Mercy Medical Center in Redding and the passenger was transported to Redwood Memorial Hospital by City Ambulance of Eureka. The driver of the Ford was uninjured as a result of this traffic collision.

The California Highway Patrol, Humboldt County Sheriff Department, Cal Fire, and Redway Volunteer Fire Department all responded to the scene. Alcohol or drugs do not appear to be a factor in this collision. This collision is still under investigation by the Garberville CHP.

Earlier Chapter: Multiple Rollover Traffic Accident North of Redway, Two Cars Involved