CHP Says McKinleyville Man Transported to Redding, 21-Year-Old Dead After Accident Near Pepperwood

accident near Pepperwood

Crash near Barkdull exit. [Photo by Mike Cuddihy]

Press Release from the California Highway Patrol:

On Friday, May 13, at approximately 3:24 PM, a 2000 Oldsmobile Alero, with one male occupant [age 21] was traveling south on US-101 southbound, in the number two lane, south of Barkdull Road, in Humboldt County.  A 2010 GMC Terrain, with one male occupant [Richard Banke, age 60, of McKinleyville] was traveling north on US-101 northbound, in the number two lane, south of Barkdull Road.  For reasons still under investigation, the Oldsmobile drifted across the number one lane, over the paved divided section between the northbound and southbound lanes, across the  northbound number one lane and directly into of the path of the GMC.  The Oldsmobile and the GMC collided, head on, in the northbound number two lane.  The driver of the Oldsmobile sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.  The driver of the GMC sustained major injuries and was transported by helicopter to Mercy Medical Center in Redding.  The identity of the deceased is currently being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Agencies on scene were Cal Fire, Fortuna Fire, City Ambulance of Eureka, Weott Fire, Cal Trans, Humboldt County Sheriff Department, California State Parks and CHP.

This collision remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.  It is unknown at this time if drugs or alcohol were a factor in the collision.

Earlier Chapter: Major Traffic Accident, One Fatality

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12 Comments
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G-ma
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G-ma
7 years ago

So very sorry to the family’s.such a bad day

Marie
Guest
Marie
7 years ago

Me heart aches for families involved.

:(
Guest
:(
7 years ago

It’s time for car companies to install something that will make the car not start unless the phone is docked and off.
And for all of us to stop expecting everyone to be available at any moment. Its so sad, the amount of accidents is not only horrible but very expensive for taxpayers.

saucy
Guest
saucy
7 years ago
Reply to  :(

How do you know this accident was because he was texting? I mean ya it’s a good possibility, but theres tons of other possible reasons also like: maybe he fell asleep, maybe drunk, maybe on drugs, maybe was smoking a cigarette and dropped it on himself (I won’t lie this has happened to me before) there’s tons of other reasons just saying.

Chris
Guest
Chris
2 years ago
Reply to  saucy

The Male in the GMC is my step grandfather. The Male in the oldsmobile was under the influence of some drug. My step grandfather wasn’t texting. He was going home to see my grandmother from work.

:(
Guest
:(
7 years ago

So sad. Condolences to the family of the young man and prayers for a full recovery to the injured. Thanks should also be given to the great volunteer men and women from Redcrest Fire, Scotia fire, and Rio Dell fire departments who were also on scene today.

Chris
Guest
Chris
2 years ago
Reply to  :(

My step grandfather was the victim in the GMC. Sadly he hasn’t made a full recovery and has horrible dementia. He is doing well now in a nursing home.

G-ma
Guest
G-ma
7 years ago

Yesterday a lady pulled right out in front of me,never looked up one time to GOD DAMN BUSY TEXTING!!!people who do this don’t care about anyone,not even themselfs.Please pull over out of traffic to text or talk,our life depends on it.and it’s the LAW

Mogtx
Guest
7 years ago

You tell them gma you rock .what you say word .

Gazoo
Guest
Gazoo
7 years ago

When I see a driver looking down (I assume texting) I lay on the horn and watch their expression… Priceless.
Might not be the right thing to do but it sure scares the crap outta them

Anon Forrest
Guest
7 years ago
Reply to  Gazoo

It’s the second best thing to do. af

Jose A.
Guest
Jose A.
7 years ago

My wife and I were going north on 101 at the time of the accident. We were stuck in traffic for 45 minutes. Until a person going south in a motorcycle stop and told us, that it was a 5 car accident, and that it was going to take several hours to clear it up. And to go back south and take the Avenue of the giants exit to by pass the accident. The road was very congested with lots of vehicles, but we got through. Our most sincere sorrow to the young man who died at the scene and his family and the rest of the injured.