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UPDATE from Eureka Police Department: "On December 7, 2020, an autopsy was performed on the 62-year-old female who was pronounced deceased after the December 2, 2020 vehicle collision at Broadway and West Wabash.

Results of the autopsy determined that the female suffered a medical emergency that caused her death just prior to the collision. The female did not receive any life-threatening injuries as a result of the collision.

Due to the medical nature of this incident, the identity of the female will not be
released."

PREVIOUS: A 62-year-old driver of a white sedan was pronounced dead when she arrived at St. Joseph's Hospital after a head-on vehicle crash at the intersection of Broadway and Wabash last night.

The driver's identity is being withheld until the next of kin are notified.

In the preliminary investigation, officials found that both vehicles, the white sedan that was traveling northbound on Broadway and the white pickup truck traveling on the eastbound turn lane to go onto W. Wabash Ave, had each been waiting at a red stoplight. When the light turned green for the pickup truck it began heading onto W. Wabash Ave, but at the same time and for unknown reasons, the white sedan also began to drive northbound onto the intersection thus resulting in the vehicle's head-on impact.

When officers arrived at the scene, the driver of the white sedan had been found on the ground and was given CPR by an "uninvolved citizen" and then an officer. The driver of the pickup truck was uninjured and evaluated at the scene.

The driver of the white sedan was then transported to St. Joseph's hospital "where she was pronounced deceased."

The release states that alcohol or drugs do not appear to be a factor in the pickup truck driver's involvement in the collision, but alcohol, drugs or an underlying medical condition are being investigated for the sedan driver's involvement in the crash.

The collision and cause of death are under investigation. Anyone with information regarding the crash should contact Det. Corrie Watson at 441-4032.

Read the full press release below.
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On December 02, 2020, at about 10:07 p.m., officers of the Eureka Police Department (EPD) responded to the intersection of Broadway and W. Wabash Avenues for the report of an injury vehicle collision. 

Upon arrival, Officers located both vehicles (a white sedan and a white pick-up) still in the intersection. The driver and sole occupant of the sedan was found on the ground and was being given CPR by an uninvolved citizen. Also located at the scene was the driver and sole occupant of the pick-up, along with multiple witnesses.  

An officer took over CPR and continued lifesaving efforts until the arrival of medical personnel. The 62-year-old driver of the sedan was quickly transported by ambulance to St Joseph’s ER, where she was pronounced deceased.

The driver of the pick-up was uninjured and was evaluated at the scene. Alcohol or drugs do not appear to be a factor in his involvement in the collision.

Based on the preliminary investigation and statements, it appears that prior to the collision the sedan was stopped at a red traffic light, northbound on Broadway at W. Wabash Avenue. At about the same time, the pick-up was stopped for the red traffic light in the eastbound turn lane of southbound Broadway at W. Wabash Avenue.

When the traffic light turned green for the pick-up, it began turning eastbound onto W. Wabash Ave. For unknown reasons, the sedan did not remain stopped for her red light and instead began traveling northbound into the intersection. As a result, both vehicles impacted head-on into one another.

At this time, it is unknown if alcohol, drugs or an underlying medical condition played a part in this collision. The identity of the deceased is being withheld, pending next of kin notification by the Humboldt County Coroner’s Office.

The collision and cause of death remain under investigation. Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Det. Corrie Watson at (707) 441-4032.