Ukiah Man Died in This Morning’s Crash on Hwy 20

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 01-28-20 , at approximately 0745 hrs., a red Mercedes driven by J. Denson was traveling in the [eastbound] lane of SR-20, approaching Road A, at approximately 55 MPH. At the same time, a gray Jeep driven by C. Hunt was traveling in the [westbound lane] of SR-20 at Road A, at approximately 55 MPH.

For an unknown reason, the wheels of the Mercedes lost traction on the roadway surface. The Mercedes began rotating in a counter-clockwise direction and entered the [westbound] lane, directly in the path of the Jeep. Hunt attempted to brake and steer the Jeep to the right but was unable to avoid a collision with the Mercedes. The front end of the Jeep collided with the right side of the Mercedes, resulting in fatal injuries to Denson.

The Mercedes came to rest, on its’ wheels, partially blocking the [eastbound] and [westbound] lanes of SR-20, facing in an easterly direction. The Jeep came to rest on its’ wheels on the north shoulder of SR-20, facing in a westerly direction.

The cause of the collision is currently under investigation by the California Highway Patrol, however, drugs or alcohol do not appear to be a factor at this time. The roadway was re-opened at 0943 hrs.

Agencies responding to the collision include the California Highway Patrol, Mendocino County Sheriffs’ Office, Medstar Ambulance, Redwood Valley-Calpella Fire Department and Caltrans.

Earlier Chapter: Fatal Crash Slows Traffic on Hwy 20