Vehicle and motorcycle collision results in fatality

August 3 update: On 05/02/2018 the Humboldt Area CHP issued a press release relating to a fatal motorcycle collision in Eureka, CA. 

In that press release, a stolen identification card located at the scene led investigators to misidentify the rider of the motorcycle as Charles Roybal III.  Later that day, the rider was positively identified as Dustin Finson.  The California Highway Patrol would like to clarify that Mr. Finson is not a suspect in the theft of Mr. Roybal’s identification.  The Humboldt Area CHP extends their sincerest condolences to the family of Mr. Dustin Finson.




The deceased motorcycle rider was misidentifed.  Proper ID and explanation is contained in the updated release.

Dustin Maurice Finson is the deceased. Updated press release sent out by CHP.

Original release:

On May 2, 2018, at approximately 241 PM, CHP Officers responded to Broadway St. (US-101) at Highland Ave, for a report of a collision involving a motorcycle and a vehicle.


Upon CHP arrival, it was determined that a 2006 Toyota Solara, driven by 29 year old Samantha Hanna of Eureka, had attempted to turn south on Broadway St. from westbound Highland Ave.

39 year old Charles Roybal III, of Eureka, was riding his 2002 Yamaha motorcycle northbound on Broadway St., in the #1 lane (left lane). 

As the Toyota crossed the northbound lanes of Broadway St., Mr. Roybal laid his motorcycle down on its side in an attempt to avoid a direct collision with the Toyota.

However, Mr. Roybal and the motorcycle slid into the side of the Toyota and he sustained major injuries as a result of the collision.

Emergency medical personnel responded to the scene and provided aid to Mr. Roybal.  Unfortunately, Mr. Roybal succumbed to his injuries at the scene and was pronounced deceased by medical personnel.  Neither Samantha Hanna, nor any of her four passengers, sustained any injuries as a result of the collision.

Notification to next of kin was made by the Humboldt County Coroner's Office.  It is unknown whether alcohol and/or drugs were a factor and the CHP is continuing its investigation into the cause of the collision.