72-Year-Old Woman Dead After Yesterday’s Collision in Eureka
Investigating officers sprayed paint around the wheelchair.
Press release from the Eureka Police Department:
On December 01, 2020, at about 3:30 p.m., officers with the Eureka Police Department (EPD) responded to the intersection of W. Henderson and Central Streets for the report of a vehicle vs. pedestrian collision.
Upon arrival, a pedestrian was located injured in the roadway. The 72-year-old female pedestrian was transported to the hospital by ambulance with major injuries. She ultimately succumb to her injuries and died at the hospital. The identity of the pedestrian is being withheld, pending next of kin notification by the Humboldt County Coroner’s Office.
The driver was evaluated at the scene and it does not appear drugs or alcohol were a factor. The driver is cooperating with the investigation and the involved vehicle was towed for evidence. The driver was interviewed at the scene, along with other witnesses.
Based on the preliminary investigation and statements, it appears the pedestrian was crossing W. Henderson St., well outside of the crosswalk, in front of oncoming westbound traffic. The driver stated that she did not see the pedestrian crossing and was unable to avoid the collision.
The Eureka Police Department would like to remind both motorists and pedestrians to be cautious of others utilizing the roadway.
The collision remains under investigation and no arrests have been made at this time. Anyone with information regarding th
is investigation is asked to contact Det. Rick Bise at (707) 441-4109.
Earlier Chapter: A Person With a Wheelchair Was Struck and Injured by a Vehicle on West Henderson in Eureka
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Condolences to all involved. Sincerely.
From me as well. RIP
What a nightmare. I’m sorry for all involved. I’m not sure why just because a driver is not intoxicated he is considered innocent.
Why would you assume they’re guilty of anything? Or, worse, presume?
Probably because the person was crossing outside of the crosswalk. If you read the article it says what happened. Unfortunately some things are unavoidable.
I have to say, I find that photo very inappropriate. Someone died there. Is that shocking photo really called for? Do you think the family and friends will appreciate it? And are those the victim’s shoes?!? Good God. Not okay.
Perhaps some young speed-freak will see that image and think twice next time he tailgates through town. Perhaps a middle-aged alcoholic will see that picture and realize he/she could have caused that.
When you have just lost a loved one, I dont think jumping on local news comments is the 1st thing most people do. I do hope the family is left alone to process all this.
We have bigger fish to fry nowadays than worry about the photo a news outlet chooses to use on a site for a few hours.
Well Bush there are a lot more people speeding and don’t forget the distracted drivers You must admit there’s been a lot of wrecks, hit and runs outrunning popo and it’s rare when popo actually stops anyone for a traffic violation
Alcohol and other drugs seem to be responsible for the vast majority of local accidents, followed by cell phones… But neither of the reports I’ve seen about this accident suggest the driver was impaired or distracted. The initial one said they were blinded by the sun in their eyes. That’s not a great excuse, but it might be correct at that time, road, and direction of travel. Coming up myrtle into eureka in the evening is also awful that way. It’s a good reminder that pedestrians should never put themselves into the path of a vehicle without first confirming the vehicle is stopping. Even if the driver is sober and attentive, it could be they can not see you. This could be one of those accidents where neither party is strictly responsible for it, i.e., an accident, rather than the “well fucking duh, what did you expect?” non-accidents that are about 95% of them…
My condolences to the victim’s family and friends.
I would like to point out that there are 2 legal crosswalks at this intersection, not just one, like most people think. The marked crosswalk is the one everyone easily recognizes. The other one is not as well known. It is the unmarked crosswalk which is the extension of an existing sidewalk across an intersection.
Based solely upon the photos from yesterday’s story, it appears the victim may have been in this unmarked crosswalk defined by the extension of the sidewalk on the west side of Central Ave across W. Henderson St.
Reference California Vehicle Code section 275(a). https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/vehicle-code/veh-sect-275.html
Another point to consider. Due to the number of drivers who turn left from W. Henderson St to Central Ave, (and fail to yield to pedestrians in the marked crosswalk) it may actually be easier for a pedestrian to cross W. Henderson St. in the unmarked crosswalk, because there are fewer drivers to contend with on that side of the intersection.
My husband thinks he saw this pedestrian struggling to cross the street just moments before. Another driver had stopped to help push her across the street (she was not utilizing crosswalk) just a couple of blocks away from where she was hit. He said it looked like maybe the wheel on her wheelchair had gotten stuck or was faulty. He said she looked unwell. There are likely many details we will never know. Prayers to all involved
*Succumbed