[UPDATE 4:33 p.m.] After Traffic Crash Into Klamath River, Mother and Two Daughters Believed to Have Died Before They Could Be Rescued

chpstarA family member has confirmed that the mother and her two daughters are believed deceased.

Press release from the California Highway Patrol:

On March 5, 2017 at approximately 7:20 p.m., 30 year old Elizabeth Anne Palmer of Orleans was driving her Toyota Yaris southbound on Hwy 96, north of Orleans [near mile marker 41]. 41 year old Jose Paredes Chavez of Orleans was seated in the front passenger seat;  a 4 year old and 18 month old were seated in the rear passenger area. For reasons still under investigation, Ms. Palmer lost control of her vehicle, drifted in a westerly direction off the roadway, continuing down an embankment (approximately 500′) into the Klamath River. It was dark and there was a mixture of snow and rain falling in the area.

Mr. Chavez was able to escape, climb back up to the roadway and contact a Caltrans employee. Emergency services were requested at this time.

Emergency personnel from the Orleans Volunteer Fire Department, Willow Creek Volunteer Fire Department, Happy Camp Ambulance, Humboldt COunty Sheriff’s OFfice, Trinity County Sheriff’s Office, California Highway Patrol (Willow Creek) and Hoopa Ambulance responded to the scene to provide emergency services.

Due to the extreme weather and roadway conditions, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue, Trinity County Search and Rescue, CHP helicopter, and COast Guard were unable to locate the vehicle and its remaining occupants.

The disposition of Ms. Palmer and the children cannot be confirmed at this time.

Mr Chavez was transported to Mad River Community Hospital with minor to moderate injuries.

A joint effort is currently underway in an attempt to locate the missing parties. CHP Willow Creek is handling the collision investigation. Humboldt COunty Search and Rescue is handling the recovery efforts.

UPDATE 3:03 p.m.: The CHP has released a further statement:

Due to the high water flows of the Klamath River and the adverse weather conditions, the CHP has not been able to safely begin any recovery operations of the vehicle or its occupants.  When the river flows and weather conditions allow for a recovery effort to locate the vehicle, the CHP will coordinate those efforts with the assistance of Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office.  CHP will provide an update when a recovery effort is completed. All inquires should be directed to the CHP.

UPDATE 4:33 p.m.: For Liz and Her Two Girls: A Fundraiser for the Funeral Expenses of the Mother and Two Children Who Are Believed Dead After a Crash into the Klamath River

Earlier Chapters:

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Veterans friend
Guest
Veterans friend
7 years ago

How very sad.

Dan Fuller
Guest
Dan Fuller
7 years ago

SO sorry to read this, I was hoping that they would be found alive at least if not well!!! Unfortunately the circumstances of the accident did not allow it!!! May they rest in Peace!!! Their time in this rotten world is done hoping they find something better on the other side!!!

Danielle
Guest
Danielle
7 years ago

So sad. Thoughts and prayers are with all involved.

Seamus
Guest
Seamus
7 years ago

Worst case, terrible just terrible.

KeepinItReal
Guest
KeepinItReal
7 years ago

Rest In Peace little angels. Prayers for the friends and family.

Desirae
Guest
Desirae
7 years ago

Something sorrowful. I have no words

Tired
Guest
Tired
7 years ago

=speechless=

Cody
Guest
Cody
7 years ago

This is horrible. I hope that this family gets the support TT hey need. Is there a GoFundMe yet?

friend of liz
Guest
friend of liz
7 years ago
Reply to  Cody
The Bean
Guest
The Bean
7 years ago

I am so sorry for all involved. I hope the father finds peace.

HupaLady
Guest
HupaLady
7 years ago

There are no words….

shawn the fisherman
Guest
shawn the fisherman
7 years ago

What else could the man do? Drown with them? probably wish he had. Sad all the way around. prayers

nena
Guest
nena
7 years ago

If there was mud on the hwy. from slide, she could have hydro planed. Sad as hell.

chris cooper
Guest
chris cooper
7 years ago
Reply to  nena

You don’t hydroplane on mud. Hydro is the Greek word for WATER. I’m sure they have considered weather and visibility issues as this does not take a genius to figure out

Miguel
Guest
Miguel
7 years ago
Reply to  chris cooper

Lighten up (edit) no need to go all science on us. Tragic is all.

Jan
Guest
Jan
7 years ago

My thoughts and prayers go out to this family

Grieving Sister
Guest
Grieving Sister
7 years ago

I just started a Go Fund Me

gofundme.com/funeral-for-liz-and-her-two-girls

Please dont use her picture in your articles or news stories…. PLEASE DONT

Grandma
Guest
Grandma
7 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

Thank you very much. It has been Very difficult for all of us. Carolyn, Lizzy’s younger sister has also posted a gofundme.com account to help Odier with the upcountry expences.

sharpen your pencil
Guest
sharpen your pencil
7 years ago

Sorry for the loss to you and your family. This is terribly sad… Absolute worse case scenario….. I hope in time you are all able to find a path back to joy. Good memories can save you from the bad, hold onto the good to get you through…..

Patty Jones
Guest
Patty Jones
7 years ago

So sorry for you loss. Prayers for you and your family.

Brian
Guest
Brian
7 years ago

God bless you and your family

redway resident
Guest
redway resident
7 years ago

i don’t understand, the report says “The disposition of Ms. Palmer and the children cannot be confirmed at this time.” Doesn’t that mean they’re not sure of their condition? Sorry to ask about this tragic news.

sharpen your pencil
Guest
sharpen your pencil
7 years ago

Not being located for 48 hours, and last seen buckled into a car that went into the river, and can not be located doesn’t generally end well…… It’s not confirmed because the car has not been found…. This is terrible……

Just-me
Guest
Just-me
7 years ago

And in icy cold waters….
Prayers everyone. Such a tragedy.

sharpen your pencil
Guest
sharpen your pencil
7 years ago
Reply to  Just-me

Yes, absolute worse case scenario……

K.
Guest
K.
7 years ago

The go fund me link doesn’t work. Could you try again? I even googled and it didn’t come up. So tragic for all involved. Keeping a good thought.

G-MAS
Guest
G-MAS
7 years ago

My eyes are so full of tears I can hardly see to write this. May God be with all of you right now. Please everyone be kind to one another

Shak
Guest
Shak
7 years ago

Such dreadful news. R.I.P. dear ones.
Prayers for all.

Grieving Sister
Guest
Grieving Sister
7 years ago

I just don’t want anyone using that image in a negative way. I guess there is no way to stop that from happening. We are still in shock over the loss…. I cant believe they are gone…
If you share the go fund me on facebook and your story then I wouldnt mind if you used the picture. Please everyone share this we still need to find their bodies…

https://www.gofundme.com/funeral-for-liz-and-her-two-girls

funnylucky
Guest
funnylucky
7 years ago

Something doesn’t smell right to me about this whole thing…can’t put my finger on it, not coming to any pre conceived conclusions, but something seems off..?

sharpen your pencil
Guest
sharpen your pencil
7 years ago
Reply to  funnylucky

Yes, you, and people like you. Do you own a car? Have you ever driven through a storm to get to where you had to be? Obviously not! Something doesn’t seem right because you have your foil hat on sideways, or perhaps you are too into conspiracy theories to be able to think straight….

funnylucky
Guest
funnylucky
7 years ago

Feel better about yourself now..?
I’ve hauled logs in places and all kinds of conditions, that I’m still pulling seat cushion from my back side…buckwheat.

Your like the guy that criticized the driver of the truck (and all truck drivers-they ALL need to slow down) that ‘t-boned’ the cop in Klamath, but when it all shook out, the cop unsafely pulled out in front of him.
Just because I feel I have a premonition about this situation…YOU feel the need to come to YOUR own preconcieved judgment towards me…that’s laughable…I don’t think your intelligent enough to sharpen your own pencil!
Peace and healing to everyone associated with this incident…the cop that was injured in Klamath also…Godspeed.

Reality and truth
Guest
Reality and truth
7 years ago
Reply to  funnylucky

Armageddon? What other predictions do you have, oh psychic one? It was a tragic accident. Don’t make it any more than that. People need to heal and move on. Not live in your little fantasy conspiracy world

This Is Kinda Fun
Guest
This Is Kinda Fun
7 years ago
Reply to  funnylucky

[edit] That’s what doesn’t smell right. This family just lost 3 members in the river, and you’re making it sound like it was on purpose?

funnylucky
Guest
funnylucky
7 years ago

See, you too are jumping to conclusions, I NEVER implied it was on purpose, and I still don’t.
And it’s not my purpose to be insensitive towards the families and friends loss. My heart goes out to them all.
You mean to tell me you never had a situation where something didn’t settle well with you, but you couldn’t quite get it figured.
Your attacking me out of ignorance.

Reality and truth
Guest
Reality and truth
7 years ago
Reply to  funnylucky

Actually, anyone reading your post would assume the same thing. You did imply that it was on purpose. Either that or you think big foot pushed the car? Aliens lifted it? fruit cake

funnylucky
Guest
funnylucky
7 years ago

Look, I obviously offended some folks here, for that I am sorry.
It was never my intention. Next time I’ll use more discretion.

Chris from mckinleyville
Guest
Chris from mckinleyville
7 years ago

So sad…I think I would rather die with my kids than live with the memory of the car wreck..so awful…prayers..

Kim Cabrera
Guest
Kim Cabrera
7 years ago

Prayers for the family.

Praying
Guest
Praying
7 years ago

My deepest condolences

Marie
Guest
Marie
7 years ago

My heart felt sympathies to the family.

homer
Guest
homer
7 years ago

First time I have donated and all because of Kym’s news site. She is so instrumental in keeping us informed. What a horrific loss and can’t even imagine the pain this family is experiencing.

Grieving Sister
Guest
Grieving Sister
7 years ago

I just wish they would get Liz and her babies out of the river
… Thats the hardest part for our family…

panamnikchik
Guest
panamnikchik
7 years ago

It’s truly unacceptable that more isn’t being done to get them out. As a community, we’re going to try to come up with a plan to get them out of the river. As a community, we are mourning your loss with you. This is the nightmare we’ve all tried not to think about as we drive these unforgiving river roads, especially this time of year. Our thoughts and lots of prayers are with all the family.

Reality and truth
Guest
Reality and truth
7 years ago
Reply to  panamnikchik

Really? So more people should have lost their lives attempting an impossible rescue in horrific conditions. What a idiotic thing to say!

User77
Guest
User77
7 years ago
Reply to  panamnikchik

Well said panamnikchik. Realityandtruth, you’re aggression is ill placed. These are people that dealing all day everyday with this. My guess is you are only dealing with this through the comfort of a screen. Back off! Locals are much more knowledgeable about the roads & terrain. Protocol prevents them from being listened to

RIP
Guest
RIP
7 years ago

Good night, sweet princesses, may flights of angels sing thee to thy rest!

G-MAS
Guest
G-MAS
7 years ago

Please folks be kind in your words.now isn’t the time for harshness. Love and blessings.

Grandma
Guest
Grandma
7 years ago

Thank you all for your well wishes and support. From a grieving and heartbroken mother and grandmother, some day their will not be any time to say the simple words I am sorry.

User77
Guest
User77
7 years ago
Reply to  Grandma

Bless you for such a hard won grace

Poppins
Guest
Poppins
7 years ago

Grandma and the rest of the family,
May you be surrounded by loving, kind and generous folks who will step in the gap and be there for you to rage, cry, speak and grieve.
Those folks to me, are angels in the flesh. They will give you an ear to hear, a shoulder to cry or beat on, an embracing hug as you make it through the journey of loss.
May your beloved daughter, sister, niece, auntie, and wife rest in peace.
Know that so very many folks far and wide are holding you up in positive thoughts, and yes prayers.

Lizzie
Guest
Lizzie
7 years ago

If her employer is the family I think it is, they’ll help. They’re good people.

Candy
Guest
Candy
7 years ago

My heart goes out to the family. I send all my love and prayers. I lost my son Paul in the Trinity River eleven months ago. You need to lean on each other and remember to love one another ♡

Magda Mendoza
Guest
Magda Mendoza
7 years ago

There is no cost for rescue efforts. Are both GoFundMe going to same account for funerals?

Climbing up 40 stories up embankment in snow/rain. That’s incredible. I hope they are found safe, but if not, that family finds peace. Be careful on roads people.

mendocino mamma
Guest
mendocino mamma
7 years ago

Tears flow greater than the mighty river that took them. No one could ever imagine such events would occur in your life. <3 to the family, so sorry…words could never convey, nor express the magnitude of this terrible event. Peace be with you. Namaste.

One Community
Guest
One Community
7 years ago

Support our Community in times of need and despair: A Go Fund Me Account has been set up!
https://www.gofundme.com/funeral-for-liz-and-her-two-girls

Ellen
Guest
Ellen
7 years ago

I don’t have any connection to this family but my heart just breaks for them. This is such a sad, sad thing to have to come to terms with. My deepest and heartfelt sympathies to this husband and father, family and friends.
May you gather together as a family to guide and support each other through this most difficult time. I hope in time you can find a place of peace and comfort in your reflections and memories of your loved ones. May the angels surround you, protect you and deliever you past your grief.

jackie richardson
Guest
jackie richardson
7 years ago

elizabeth was my brothers daughter { my niece } and my little grand nieces, theyre in heaven now with her mother and father. may god wrap his arms around those babies and make heavenly angels out of them. i hope her husband finds peace in his life without them

jackie richardson
Guest
jackie richardson
7 years ago

elizabeth was my niece daughter of my brother, shes now in heaven with my brother and her mother. i hope her husband finds peace in his life. God will wraphis arms around those 2 baIES.