Santa Rosa man killed in crash that injures Covelo residents

A Santa Rosa man was killed Wednesday in a crash near Willits that seriously injured an 8-yearold girl, the California Highway Patrol reported.

According to the CHP, the 40-year- old Santa Rosa man, whose name was withheld until his family can be notified, was driving a 2004 Chevrolet northbound on Highway 101 near the north end of the Willits bypass around 5:45 p.m. Oct. 14.

When the driver of the Chevrolet crossed the double yellow lines to pass a 2011 Kenworth semi-truck, the Chevrolet reportedly crashed head- on with a 2012 Toyota being driven southbound by a 29-year- old Covelo man with two passengers.

The Chevrolet was then pushed back into the path of the semitruck, and all traffic lanes were

blocked by the three vehicles when they stopped. The driver of the Chevrolet, who reportedly did not appear to be wearing a seatbelt, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the Toyota suffered major injuries and was airlifted to Santa Rosa Memorial after first being taken to Howard Memorial in Willits. One passenger in the Toyota, an 8-year- old Covelo girl, also suffered major injuries and was airlifted to Oakland Children’s Hospital from Howard Memorial. Another passenger

in the Toyota, a 32-year- old Covelo woman, suffered minor injuries.

The driver of the semitruck, a 37-year-old Fortuna man, was not injured.

The CHP is continuing to investigate the collision, and reports that it is unknown whether alcohol or drugs contributed to the cause.