Grandmother Found Dead on Eureka Street

Woman died of Exposure

Law enforcement gave CPR to a woman who died outside yesterday on one of the coldest nights of the year so far in Eureka. [Crop of a photo by Jamie E. Lopez ]

About 7:15 a.m. yesterday, a Native American woman was found unresponsive off an alleyway near the 1700 block of 4th Street in Eureka. Though an officer gave the woman, Debra Jealous of Him, CPR, she was later pronounced dead.

Jealous of Him, who most recently lived on the streets of Eureka, had earlier lived in Hoopa.

She was a grandmother and mother who at age 56 died on one of the coldest Eureka nights this last month. Temperatures dipped into the low 30’s. The Humboldt County Coroner’s Office says that the cause of her death hasn’t been determined. An autopsy has been scheduled for tomorrow afternoon.

Executive Director at Eureka Rescue Mission, Bryan Hall, noted, “Especially at this time of the year we should be reaching out even more so and loving our neighbors. Those who have homes and those who don’t.”

He pointed out, “[H]omeless people are people. Living breathing human beings who have feelings and emotions just like everybody else. Some have fallen on very difficult times and not been able to get back up. That doesn’t mean that we should push them to the side and treat them any less than who they really are as beautiful people created in the image of God.”

UPDATE Thursday: Channel 7 News is reporting that “her cause of death has been determined as natural causes related to ongoing health issues. Despite some rumors circulating on social media, the woman’s death was not related to cold weather exposure…”

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Dan F
Guest
Dan F
5 years ago

Rest in Peace Grandmother!!! :-C

Stephen
Guest
Stephen
5 years ago

Does anyone know if she has a walker? If she did I know her she was at the Flamingo Motel up a little from the room my mother was in

James
Guest
James
5 years ago
Reply to  Stephen

Yes that is the same Deb.

guest
Guest
guest
5 years ago

Godspeed, Grandmother. My prayers are for you.

This is so heartbreaking…

guest
Guest
guest
5 years ago

RIP nice lady.

adam
Guest
adam
5 years ago

sad, I was just saying last night I was concerned over the homeless being out in the cold last night. and she wasn’t that old, 56.

aba
Guest
aba
5 years ago

this is sad, yet to those who cry “grandma” why didn’t you give her shelter?

LostCoastEMP
Guest
LostCoastEMP
5 years ago
Reply to  aba

The same people who say let in millions of asylum seekers and refugees aba. They don’t want to house them,clothe them or feed them. They just expect other people to pay for it. All bark. No action. Sad? Indeed.RIP American momma

Red in a Sea of Green
Guest
Red in a Sea of Green
5 years ago
Reply to  LostCoastEMP

The same people (like you) who yammer on and on about “the same people expecting others to pay for it” never stop to question your own assumption that I want to pay for the endless wars that you people are happy to spend my money on.

Those “smart bombs” ain’t paying for themselves, you know. All Bark, no thought. Sad? Indeed. RIP Logic and Consistency.

Huh?
Guest
Huh?
5 years ago
Reply to  aba

Shame on you

Monique Clayton
Guest
Monique Clayton
5 years ago
Reply to  aba

[edit]It’s bad enough she passed,I’m her daughter and I feel horrible enough that she’s gone.
[edit]

Leslie Dougherty
Guest
Leslie Dougherty
5 years ago

On Angels Wings🕊💝

CCraig
Guest
CCraig
5 years ago

Sorry Mo. : (

Mary Popa
Guest
Mary Popa
5 years ago

OMG I’m so sorry for your loss! You absolutely you must feel terrible! My deepest condolences to you and your family. I can’t imagine what happened and why she was out there! Maybe some last-minute Christmas shopping for her grandchildren. I hope the Lord blesses you this season with much hope and peace over your family and friends and especially your dear Mother

Rachael Marie Steeves
Guest
5 years ago

I loved Debra my prayers are with her family . Sorry for your loss and mine.

small fry
Guest
small fry
5 years ago

So sad! Wow. What could have been done to prevent this? No one deserves to die this way!

LostCoastEMP
Guest
LostCoastEMP
5 years ago
Reply to  small fry

It’s called helping the people who live here in America first small fry. No….. we can not let in millions of other country’s homeless when we have atrocities like this happening to American people that already live here. She is a Native American for crying out load!!!!!! Close the borders.

guest
Guest
guest
5 years ago
Reply to  LostCoastEMP

Kym

Central HumCo
Guest
5 years ago
Reply to  guest

“Kym”.

Are you trying to say something guest?

guest
Guest
guest
5 years ago
Reply to  Central HumCo

I was trying to avoid saying something as you seem to have become very much more bitter lately and I don’t want to create more stress, which is where I think it comes from. I just found your post too baiting to pass. I know that your health is none of my business. It still occurs to me to worry. So I tried to pass the buck.

Central HumCo
Guest
5 years ago
Reply to  guest

More bitter? Not at all. It’s your opinion and you’re entitled to it – everyone has one.

“I just found your post too baiting to pass.” I was replying, BTW, to LostCoastEMP’s “Close the borders” comment.

My health? The only thing you can do for me is take care of yourself. The only thing i can do for you is take care of myself.

This is NOT what we’re here for.

Al
Guest
Al
5 years ago
Reply to  LostCoastEMP

Lostcoast,
thanks.

Lotta Wordsworth
Guest
Lotta Wordsworth
5 years ago
Reply to  Al

Yes we can. The problem isn’t the poor. The poverty is caused by the problem.
The 10 people who have 50% of all wealth fail to pay 50% of all taxes.
If we could get that, there’d be plenty for everyone.

Willie Caso-Mayhem
Guest
5 years ago

🕊🕊🕊

Monique Clayton
Guest
Monique Clayton
5 years ago

That’s my mom.
She just turned 56

BonnieBlue
Guest
BonnieBlue
5 years ago

Ahh…condolences, Monique.

From_Hoopa_w/
Guest
From_Hoopa_w/
5 years ago

Love and respects, Monique. To your siblings also. She was a wonderful woman. Friend of the family for years!

Christine stachel
Guest
Christine stachel
5 years ago

So very sorry for your loss!!!!!

Debi King
Guest
5 years ago

I am so sorry, Monique. I hope the next world is kinder to her.

Dan F
Guest
Dan F
5 years ago

SO Sorry for your loss!!!

Ticket
Guest
Ticket
5 years ago

Condolences Monique, I’ve had the pleasure of visiting with your mom working/walking my dog in and around old down almost weekly over the last 7 or 8 years. She had a smile and an energy that would light up any room. This news breaks my heart and your family is in my thoughts. Peace and Love

Serena
Guest
Serena
5 years ago

I am so sorry for your loss

Interested
Guest
Interested
5 years ago

I’m sorry for your loss. I know it is hard, I lost my mom to cancer this year so, I understand the pain from loosing your mom. It is hard these days to tell which homeless are there because things have knocked them down & they want to get back up but aren’t able to get the help with the resources to do so. Then, there are the ones that don’t want the help & would rather bum money.(which then they may use to buy drugs & not food)There are also shelters but some of the homeless don’t want to follow the shelters rules. I read one post where the person said that she was our honored elder, then why wasn’t she treated aa such? Another one asked why didn’t her family help her? I would like to know as well. I hope it was that none of them had the room or finances not because of bad blood, whatever it was I’m sure they had their reasons. Again I’m sorry for your loss.

Brian Bore-you
Guest
Brian Bore-you
5 years ago
Reply to  Interested

You’re only “interested” in throwing shade. “Judge not, lest ye be judged also” and the stranger at your door may be a god in disguise.

Bippity Bop
Guest
5 years ago

I am sorry for your loss.

Lian Adams
Guest
Lian Adams
5 years ago

I AM so sorry for your loss. I knew your momma many moons ago. Big heart.

SYORK
Guest
5 years ago

I’m so sorry for your loss. Aren’t there places for people to stay in at night during the cold weather months?

Sarah Crawford
Guest
Sarah Crawford
5 years ago

Monique,Sorry to hear about your mom ❤

TaoTeChing
Guest
TaoTeChing
5 years ago

The loss of a loved one, especially a parent, is particularly difficult at any time, but this time of year is even worse than most for many. My sincere condolences to you and your family. I hope you can take comfort in good memories and the knowledge that whatever pain she was forced to deal with in this world can trouble her no more.

Laurie Kleefeld
Guest
Laurie Kleefeld
5 years ago

😢 Yes Bryan 🙏

♡☆♡RIP♡☆♡
Guest
♡☆♡RIP♡☆♡
5 years ago

Heartbreaking.
RIP
The largest group of people newly homeless in our state are older folks with serious physical ailments/illnesses.
Sorry but thats why some parts of the devils playground camps were good, one camp had the idiots partying and stealing with weapons. The other camp for the most part were people down on their luck, many with disabilities and many with jobs but couldnt save enough to get first, last, deposit. (Yes im generalizing, it wasnt that cut&dry).
That camp would have found shelter/blankets/something for this woman.
They watched out for each other, we never hear of how helpful many homeless have been in helping with missing persons cases.

Now theyre all scattered and it works for no one; they are more susceptible to crime/weather and we see them everywhere.
In big cities they push all homeless into one or two zones, as out of sight as possible.

It is beyond appalling that a woman would die in the freezing cold in eureka. We’re better than that. Are there no cops looking for folks on freezing nights to get them to shelter like other towns do??
Ugh

shel
Guest
shel
5 years ago

suggestion: start a citizen group or help Betty Chin or your local shelter/religious group. Its not up to the police — its up to the citizens if they want change.

guest
Guest
guest
5 years ago
Reply to  shel

unfortunately when all else fails, the police get to pick up the pieces.

The Weigh, it is
Guest
The Weigh, it is
5 years ago
Reply to  guest

“Pick up the pieces” = shoot your dog and club you for living on the street.

Huh?
Guest
Huh?
5 years ago
Reply to  shel

Police are citizens too.

Central HumCo
Guest
5 years ago
Reply to  Huh?

U.S., not state. As per The Freeman’s City of Eureka Charter.

Think about walking in their shoes
Guest
Think about walking in their shoes
5 years ago
Reply to  shel

Our walking group saw a man in the parking lot next to the Shamis Restaurant. He was talking to himself and shivering. And NONE of us did a thing to help him out. We all skirted around him for fear he would see us. In America we have lost our compassion for our the needy and letting the others be helpers. In this season of supposedly GIVING I am ashamed of myself. There was a time when only a few would succumb in an alleyway. We are too quick to turn our backs on them. Them meaning whoever they are…………………………

American Idle
Guest
American Idle
5 years ago

Ronald Reagan shut down the institutions where we once housed those who were unable to care for themselves due to severe mental illnesses. Admittedly there were problems with many of these places, but Reagan was not interested in these problems or the people whose lives were shattered by mental illness. Reagan was interested in “cutting the size of government” (or so he claimed) and what he meant was freeing up more money for jails and means of coercion and one way to do this was to attack and close “non-essential” (to the ruling class) services like health-care, including mental-health, at least for the poor. Rich people or those with insurance can go to a modern facility and be treated fairly well.

At any rate, don’t feel too ashamed of yourself. We are inundated with images and narratives depicting and reminding us of the insanity that lurks just on the periphery of our experience and there are indeed no shortage of mentally-unstable individuals who are as violent and unhinged as the society that we have allowed the oligarchy to create. This violence is a reflection of the violence that the oligarchy perpetuates abroad. This has a corresponding mental effect on not only “our brave men and women” (sic) – the who wear the imperialist jackboots on the ground, but also the general populace which is conditioned to accept the death of “others” and those who have been “otherized” through advanced psychological warfare techniques.

I’m just sayin’ while it’s not a bad idea to offer help, this is a systemic problem and individuals can only have a limited impact. The problem is both structural in the sense of the facilities for treating these illnesses have been curtailed or eliminated as well as in the sense that there are increasing numbers of people who have been de-skilled by the advances in technology and have been rendered essentially redundant as human beings, at least to the bottom-line mentality that equates “bums” with the inability or lack of desire to live productive lives, while making exceptions for the idle rich.

Liz
Guest
Liz
5 years ago

I read she was staying at the Flamingo Motel.

Central HumCo
Guest
5 years ago

We can thank the City of Eureka/City Counsel for destroying the devil’s playground.

Half the harm that is done in this world is due to people who want to feel important. They don’t mean to do harm. But the harm does not interest them. T.S. Eliot

Sick Transient Gloria Mundi
Guest
Sick Transient Gloria Mundi
5 years ago

The oligarchy doesn’t want to see large camps because that is what they call “bad optics” these days. These made bad images on Chinese and other national television broadcasts as the US tries to impose its propaganda on the populations of these countries. The ruling class of the US wants to avoid, as much as possible, the spectacle of these sort of sights and will take any opportunity to bust them up and disperse the populace under such guises as “health risks” – as if living on the street was not a “health risk” itself worth addressing.

Terra
Guest
Terra
5 years ago

Betty Chinn’s org violates state and federal laws. Forget her.

Was this the little lady that used to go around making designs on the ground in stones?

Sean T Avery
Guest
5 years ago

She was a loving mother to all, she sacrificed all, to help others in need and even if that consumed her well being. She deserves better from those that took from you, as such it was my privilege to help you any time I was able. May all your ancestors guide you to the next world, your suffering fade into darkness and you find peace in the afterlife. You were our honored elder, we and the land, mourn the loss of your spirit in this tempestuous life.

Dragonfire3194
Guest
Dragonfire3194
5 years ago
Reply to  Sean T Avery

When I was homeless and knew hardly anyone she showed me places to stay dry. RIP to one of our elders. Do not forget she WAS an Elder. Come on Humboldt can’t we do better?

Tina Oakland
Guest
Tina Oakland
5 years ago

Grandmother Moon has her in Her arms <3

shak
Guest
shak
5 years ago

R.I.P. Grandmother. May your death be not in vain as the community comes together to provide a zoning for the homeless to camp during their most stressful days.
My condolences to her loved ones.

J
Guest
J
5 years ago
Reply to  shak

Absolutely, there should be a designated tent city that is patrolled by police, has port a potties and trash and recycling pick up. The cost on the city would be less than the other expenses occurred. Even just from people commiting petty crimes for 3 meals and a cot.

Al
Guest
Al
5 years ago
Reply to  J

J,
Well said.

Guest
Guest
Guest
5 years ago
Reply to  Al

That presumes the lady did not have a place to go, which is totally unknown. There was(is?) a tent city- where several attempts were made to install porta potties (destroyed before a day went by), the people who lived there were doing the recycling, patrolling by police means enforce drug laws and arresting thieves, mental health holds, etc. And, unfortunately for any government, it means assuming liability for the tenants with their goods, their health and the damage they do from vandalism, theft, fires and disputes.

Such suggestions assume that people are eager to live like other people find proper and are just missing the opportunity. It’s just isn’t like that for many, if not most. Freedom of action given by law hinders what a legal entity can do.

shak
Guest
shak
5 years ago
Reply to  Guest

I understand your concerns, and have bounced them to and fro in my own mind for years while nothing ever gets accomplished for them. I’ll quickly jot down my new mind juggling notes.

We can also assume that Grandmother has raised awareness for all others who are in the same state of despair.
Providing a camping spot for the houseless, secures their right to shelter themselves. They can always subdivide their camp zone and not allow the ‘totally free’ to reside in their zone. Self governing spaces for all.
As far as the porta potties go, sometimes we are so spoiled with our own modern conveniences we forget that there are other styles that used to meet our needs. The old fashioned or small spaces Squat Toilets could be installed, with easy clean non porous tile or stainless steel surrounds.
Troughs also used to be useful in public ‘restrooms’. Troughs would work well for the ‘totally free’ people who can’t or who won’t abide by any other’s perspectives of self governing rules. Squat toilets would work well for those who completely appreciate a place to go. Western style work well in all other situations.
Sometimes we just need to think outside the box stall.
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Squat-Toilet

a small blurb on troughs. https://www.tripsavvy.com/how-to-use-a-squat-toilet-in-china-1495435

L'Eagle
Guest
L'Eagle
5 years ago
Reply to  Guest

The so-called “government” has “assumed liability” when it assumed ownership of we-the-people and claimed the right to tax us, number us, and draft us.
You don’t get to claim right of ownership and then disavow liability or responsibility.

peganderson
Guest
peganderson
5 years ago

This shouldn’t be allowed to happen. There should be open public facilities for these cold nights. New York City does it for thousands of homeless people. It’s going to take a majority of us to demand this.

MEstencia
Guest
MEstencia
5 years ago
Reply to  peganderson

NYC does not provide shelters for cold nights. Many churches do.

Zoltan
Guest
5 years ago

Keep moving when cold.hypothermia kills .dont drink,don’t crash after too much time awake.speed kills.

cutommorrow
Guest
cutommorrow
5 years ago

saddened too read this. I wish life would have been more kind to Debra. May the winds of mother earth carry you safely to your final resting place.

Gazoo
Guest
Gazoo
5 years ago

Fly with the angels young lady! Watch over your children, positive energy to the family and friends in these hard times.

Gretchen Rist
Guest
Gretchen Rist
5 years ago

Our family will miss Debbie, very much. She was doing a lot better, last I knew. Was staying in a place…. I don’t know why she would be out in the cold all night, unless she fell asleep from natural causes, or something else. It’s so upsetting, not matter what.

Dede
Guest
Dede
5 years ago

Gone are the days where the elders own family help them and take them into their homes.

UnCommonSense
Guest
UnCommonSense
5 years ago

Too soon. She left us too soon.

Rest peacefully. And may your light continue to shine across the worlds.

Old guy
Guest
Old guy
5 years ago

There is a housing shortage in Humboldt,affordable is not to be confused with NIMBY.How many will die in the elements this year, while rents are thru the roof?

sharon
Guest
5 years ago

This is a f#$!@ disgrace to our country. Our county. This should never happen, to anyone, ever! $117 billion to defense. BILLION! Trump is a now known dictator. He cares nothing about regular citizens. Never has! If you still support this maniac, rot in hell. If not, VOTE BLUE!!! We must save our country from this lying dictator. This our chance! Stop the white nationilist, nazis NOW!!! Please people. Wake up!!!

Tina Dorham
Guest
Tina Dorham
5 years ago
Reply to  sharon

Yeah because no homeless or dead BEFORE Trump! Get off the drugs or take your meds, whichever it is!

I like stars
Guest
I like stars
5 years ago
Reply to  sharon

Maybe it’s you who needs to wake up. Telling people to rot in hell?

Skydancr
Guest
Skydancr
5 years ago
Reply to  sharon

This really not the platform for hostility or rants about government.
This poor woman’s family lost their elder.
Have some respect for the family.

New Yellowcake Times
Guest
New Yellowcake Times
5 years ago
Reply to  sharon

Obama authorized 1 trillion for “nuclear upgrades” in 2015-16 and the media soft-peddled that news until “Trump!” and suddenly it was his baby.

LOL You are led like cattle with nose-rings and jerked around from one illegal war to the next – some of which you “Oppose” (the ones that profit Republican donors) while others you turn a blind eye to (the ones that profit Hillary Walmart Clinton).

Try independent thought. It’s a lesser known and not name-brand, but it’s a lot better than the coke vs pepsi politics you seem to be hooked on.

Oh. Almost forgot to include a source for my claim:

First, a link:

https://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2016/10/26/a-nuclear-arsenal-upgrade/a-trillion-dollar-nuclear-weapon-modernization-is-unnecessary

(you’ll note that this is not Breitbart or some other shady source, but the Old Grey Lady herself, that claims to be the Paper of Record even!)

And, for lagniappe, a pullquote:

“President Obama has authorized a nuclear modernization program that would cost $1 trillion, that’s a “T,” over the next 30 years. This is unnecessary. Moreover, it will impose an increasing burden on the defense budget, making it difficult to maintain our conventional military superiority – the real guarantee of U.S. security. The next president should cut back nuclear modernization plans and use those funds to ensure that our more important conventional forces maintain their technological and quantitative superiority over all potential foes.” – Barry Blechman (Co-founder of the Stimson Center).

But yes, you’re right. This country’s oligarchy spends too much money on what it risibly refers to as “defense” and should be held to account for their ill-treatment of we the serfs.

guest
Guest
guest
5 years ago

My condolences to everyone, especially her family. I am so very sorry.

Emily
Guest
Emily
5 years ago

It’s interesting that people are so sympathetic and understanding of this woman’s plight. Could it be because she’s native? It’d be interesting to see if the same amount of outpouring was made if it was stated she was black or Latino or whatever. Just sayin .. it’s be an interesting experiment. I sense a bit of white guilt here.
Regardless, I have only love for the homeless women of this area. It’s so sad.

Monique Clayton
Guest
Monique Clayton
5 years ago
Reply to  Emily

Don’t make it a race thing

MEstencia
Guest
MEstencia
5 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

It’s the “on the street” part. No one likes to hear about or imagine people dying out on the street. It doesn’t happen that often.

Guest
Guest
Guest
5 years ago
Reply to  Emily

Maybe the outpouring of sympathy is due to the deliberate choice of words to describe these woman. But much of it is obviously due to others having met her and received help from her. They give a picture of a woman who, despite her own problems, was capable of great kindness. That is what makes her death like this so sad. There is a shortage of kindness in the world and it is right to honor that no matter what circumstances she was in.

Skydancr
Guest
Skydancr
5 years ago
Reply to  Guest

Well said

Kovalyov
Guest
Kovalyov
5 years ago
Reply to  Emily

No love for the homeless men of this area, though?

I smell a bit of hypocrisy in all of this sanctimony.

Steph
Guest
Steph
5 years ago

A life was lost here dosent have anything to do race! Im sorry for everyones loss that knew her.

Willie caos- mayhem
Guest
5 years ago

Was her nickname “Tigger”? If so I to knew her ,RIP.

Steve Parr
Guest
Steve Parr
5 years ago

Or Itsy?

James Decker
Guest
James Decker
5 years ago
Reply to  Steve Parr

That is a different woman.

Letting you know
Guest
Letting you know
5 years ago
Reply to  Steve Parr

No that was not my auntie itsy

Bozo
Guest
Bozo
5 years ago

What has been released as the cause of death ?
Did she ‘freeze’ to death or have some sort of another ‘medical event’ ?

Rob Ash
Guest
Rob Ash
5 years ago

Rest In Peace , hope your life in the next world isn’t so hard..

Al
Guest
Al
5 years ago

Terrible,
how can we prevent this from happening.
Rip
Condolences to the family.

Really?
Guest
Really?
5 years ago

It would be good to get the result of the autopsy.

local observer
Guest
local observer
5 years ago
Reply to  Really?

why, everyone that cares already knows. and no one cares what you think. and you will only use it for hate.

memy selfandi
Guest
memy selfandi
5 years ago
Reply to  local observer

Because some people are claiming her passing had nothing to do with being out in the night in 30 degree weather (so they are essentially saying this wasn’t a matter of being homeless but some other health issue). If she was sleeping outside it is important for the community to know that this occurred.

cheryl
Guest
cheryl
5 years ago

I have a business here on 4th street and occasionally Debra would come in and say hello. I say until we meet again may you rest in heaven. My deepest sympathy to Debra’s family. and just a quick response to the rescue mission , I agree it is a good place if you have no where to go, but word on the street is that you turn away many homeless , Especially the ones that are mentally ill. so I hope this winter you change the way that’s ran.