News

A single-vehicle collision on State Route 36 ended in the death of Chelsea Renee Cash, 22, who was driving a 1999 Dodge Intrepid sedan eastbound at around 7:25 p.m. when her vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree. Cash was from Quincy and, according to her Facebook page, was employed at the Swain's Flat Outpost Garden. The press release states that Cash was driving at a high rate of speed when she veered onto the gravel shoulder, overcorrected into the westbound lane and then off the roadway. Cash, the only person in the vehicle, died at the scene and was pronounced dead by medical personnel at 8:20 p.m. The reason for the collision is unknown.

The incident marks Humboldt County's 10th vehicle-related fatality of 2018.


From the California Highway Patrol:

On April 30, 2018, at approximately 725 PM, CHP Officers responded to State Route 36, west of MPM 29.15, for a report of a single vehicle collision with an ambulance responding. Prior to the arrival of any CHP personnel, emergency medical personnel arrived at the scene, extricated the solo female adult driver, and started CPR. Unfortunately, the driver succumbed to her injuries at the scene of the collision and was pronounced deceased by medical personnel at approximately 820 PM. The driver was identified as 22 year old Chelsea Renee Cash of Quincy, CA. Notification to next of kin was made by the Humboldt County Coroner's Office.

The preliminary investigation indicates the driver of a black 1999 Dodge Intrepid sedan was traveling eastbound on SR-36 near mile marker 29.15 at a high rate of speed. For unknown reasons, the driver allowed the vehicle to travel onto the eastbound gravel shoulder before veering to the left and across the westbound traffic lane. The vehicle traveled off the roadway where the right side of the vehicle struck a tree, causing major damage and intrusion to the passenger side of the vehicle. There were substantial tire friction marks left in both traffic lanes by the vehicle.

At this time, there is no prosecution anticipated and it is unknown whether alcohol/drugs were a factor or if mechanical issues with the vehicle may have contributed to the collision.

Anyone with information related to this collision is asked to contact the California Highway Patrol at 707-822-5981 or 707-268-2000.