Pedestrian Killed in SR-162 Hit-and-Run, Driver Interviewed by CHP
This is a press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office. The information has not been proven in a court of law and any individuals described should be presumed innocent until proven guilty:
On October 12th, 2025, at 1959 hours, The CHP Garberville Area (Laytonville Resident Post) units were dispatched to SR-162, north of Poonkinney Road, for a vehicle vs pedestrian crash. The Humboldt Communications Center (HCC) was notified that the involved vehicle fled the scene southbound on SR-162. Prior to CHP arrival, medical personnel provided life saving measures but ultimately pronounced the victim (pedestrian) deceased on scene. SR-162 was shut down for approximately four and a half hours during the investigation.
A witness account placed the pedestrian within the traffic lanes of SR-162. The pedestrian was reportedly in the southbound lane when a 2019 Toyota 4Runner, driven by Sandra Yocselin Acosta Deloera (20-year-old resident of Covelo, Ca), struck the pedestrian, and for reasons still under investigation, failed to stop at the crash scene. At approximately 2148 hours, HCC was contacted by a family member of Acosta Deloera to report the crash. CHP units, assisted by the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office, responded to the driver’s residence where Acosta Deloera was interviewed, and the involved vehicle was located.
The identity of the pedestrian is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
This crash is still under active investigation by the California Highway Patrol – Garberville Area. If any member of the public has pertinent information regarding the crash, please contact the CHP Garberville Office at 707-932-6100.
UPDATE: Always the first to help’: Covelo remembers former fire chief killed in hit-and-run
Earlier: Fatal Hit and Run Near Covelo; Suspect vehicle Sought
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Hmmm. Was she driving? Covering for others? Very odd. Thinking somewhere the rules of CA driver handbook say must stop, and she kept driving? Did not aid someone? Leaving scene of accident. No excuse. Same as the Laken woman who hid pregnancy. Running because “I didn’t know” is a terrible excuse for self preserving behavior like this. RIP lost soul, condolences to family. 💔
20 year old girl, late at night, desolate road known for murders and mayhem hits a pedestrian who appears out of nowhere. Understandable that she’d freak out. Should have stopped but didn’t. Went home and told her family who called Highway Patrol. This is not great behavior- leaving the person in the road- but it is understandable. That area is sketchy AF and a solo young woman out at late night should be concerned. Not being sexist just saying there are some bad hombres out about there…
I wonder if it had been you, what excuse would be OK too leave the scene? Covelo is fine. Never even had one problem with any other person since I bought my house in 1993–32 years.
She felt comfortable enough to leave at dark to travel 162. 100% known to have poor phone reception and can be dangerous, requires full attention. If from Covelo as she is identified, would be well aware of 162 and the remote nature of its travel. Hopefully the investigation will yeild more information. Sad situation all the way around.
It’s not unusual for first reports to change dramatically as new details emerge but it’s still a mystery why there’d be a pedestrian on that stretch of 162, especially at night — and was the on-scene witness another pedestrian? — In a passing vehicle? — Or?
Yes..very confusing
Hopefully the excellent Sargent takes point on the investigation. If the incompetent pos DEI Lieutenant is in charge, good luck with finding any truth.