Three Joggers Down/Coroner Called/Accident in North Eureka

UPDATE, 11:39 a.m.: Press release from the California Highway Patrol:

On 09/27/2012, at 0550 hours, Terri Vroman-Little, age 50 of Eureka, Jessica Hunt, age 41 of Eureka, and another female of Bayside, CA (who’s identity is being withheld pending family notifications) were jogging northbound on west shoulder of Myrtle Ave., south of Ole Hansen Road. For unknown reasons, a 2005 Kia Spectra, driven by an unknown subject, left its lane of travel and struck all three of the female joggers. Jessica Hunt and Terri Vroman-Little sustained major injuries due to the collision and were transported from the scene to St. Joseph’s Hospital. The third female sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased on scene. Additionally, one of the jogger’s dog was struck and killed during the collision. The driver of the Kia fled the scene directly following the collision. The Kia was later found abandoned by Eureka Police Department officers on California Street in Eureka.

Myrtle Ave. was closed for approximately 4 hours due to the investigation. This collision remains under investigation and several possible leads as to the identity of the driver of the KIA are being investigated.

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UPDATE, 10:37 a.m.: LoCO reader Ash Wells reports that traffic is flowing on Myrtle again.

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UPDATE, 7:52 a.m.: CHP dispatch now classifies the case as a fatality.

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UPDATE, 7:25 a.m: The California Highway Patrol confirms that Myrtle Avenue between Freshwater Road and Indianola is closed in both directions, and is likely to remain so for most of the morning, at least. No estimated reopening time.

They also confirm that this was a hit-and-run collision. Though the coroner’s office was called to the scene, the person I spoke with at the CHP office would not confirm, at this stage, that any of the victims had died. –HS

[edit]The CHP site is reporting a terrible accident in north Eureka near the intersection of Ole Hansen Rd. and Myrtle Ave.  Three joggers were described at 5:51 this morning as “down with possible compound fractures/ one with possible major injuries.”  But by 6:02, the Humboldt Co. Sheriff’s Office is calling for the Coroner’s Office and discussing calling the District Attorney’s office. County Roads is setting up traffic control at Indianola.