News

The mother of two young children was the jogger killed this morning after a car left the road on Myrtle Avenue near Ole Hansen Road, a relative has confirmed. The Journal is withholding her name for now to ensure that all family members can be notified.

The woman, 40, is married to a Humboldt County official.

She was jogging with two other women when a Kia Spectra left the road and hit all three, according to the California Highway Patrol. The two other women were seriously injured and a dog was killed. The Kia was later found abandoned.

Already, an informal memorial run is being planned for this Saturday:

This morning's 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.