Body Believed to Be in Vehicle Found in the Trinity River

Press release from the California Highway Patrol:

On Monday, June 26, 2017, the California Highway Patrol was notified of a solo vehicle traffic collision on SR-96, north of Hoopa.

Sometime between Saturday, June 23^rd and Monday, June 26^th, an unknown driver, drove a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe northbound on State Route 96, north of Hoopa at an unknown speed.  For reasons still under investigation, the driver made an unsafe turning movement and drove the Hyundai off the west side of the roadway.  The vehicle became airborne and collided with the hillside until it plunged into the Trinity River.  The vehicle became lodged in the river which was located in a small eddy.  A preliminary dive was conducted and a body is believed to be trapped in the vehicle.

Further rescue efforts are being conducted and involving the Trinity County Sheriff’s Departments Search and Rescue divers.

The California Highway Patrol would also like to thank Hoopa Tribal Chairman, Ryan Jackson, the Hoopa Volunteer Fire Department, Hoopa Tribal Police Department, Hoopa Tribal Fisheries, and Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department for their assistance.

Humboldt CHP would like to take this opportunity to remind you to please slow down on curvy mountainous roads.  Humboldt County roadways can be extremely dangerous due to our terrain.  Please be mindful of narrowing roadways and always wear your seatbelt.

Earlier Chapter: ‘Bad Smell and…Buzzards Flying Around’ Wreck Into Trinity River, According to Online Report