MENDOCINO COUNTY ? A 19-year-old who may have been driving home from Humboldt State University for Thanksgiving crossed into oncoming traffic on Highway 101 and hit two cars, causing his death Friday near Oil Well Hill in Mendocino County.
The second impact was “devastating” and killed Eric Kilgore of San Bernardino, the California Highway Patrol reported.
Emergency personnel transported the other drivers, Alexa Lee of Cameron Park and Susan Herreshoff of Willits, to Howard Memorial Hospital in Willits with minor injuries, CHP reported.
About 3:15 p.m., Kilgore lost control of his southbound 1998 Mazda 626 in a moderate right curve and crossed into northbound lanes in heavy rain, CHP reported. The Mazda sideswiped a 1999 Toyota Corolla Lee was driving. The Mazda continued out of control and was broadsided by a 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe Herreshoff was driving.
CHP officers don”t think alcohol was a factor in the collision, the agency reported.
Officers are looking for witnesses of the collision and ask people with information to call Officer Tom Sleeper at 984-6176 or 923-2155.
The Little Lake Fire Department, CalTrans and the Mendocino County Sheriff”s Office responded to the scene and helped CHP.
CHP asks that drivers slow down during inclement weather, especially during increased holiday traffic.
“Obey all speed laws, leave early on holiday trips, be patient in traffic ? everyone is in the same boat so please share the road and treat other drivers like you”d like to be treated. Make sure you and all your passengers are buckled up in seat belts or safety seats,” CHP said. “And lastly, be responsible, don”t drink and drive.”
