Garberville CHP releases information about yesterday's crash on 101 that resulted in the death of the driver

Garberville CHP released the following information about yesterday's crash on 101 that resulted in the death of the driver.

"On January 26, 2026, at approximately 9:25 PM, a silver Ford Escape with one occupant was traveling southbound on US-101, south of Rattlesnake Summit. A white Chevrolet Silverado, driven by Ereida Ramirez-Madera, was traveling northbound on US-101, south of Rattlesnake Summit in the number one lane.

The Ford and the Chevrolet were approaching each other in opposite directions. A white Freightliner truck tractor with an unloaded flatbed trailer, driven by Noel Rivera-Alfaro, was traveling northbound on US-101, south of Rattlesnake Summit in the number one lane and behind the Chevrolet. For reasons still under investigation, the Ford crossed over the solid double yellow lines and into the northbound number one lane. 

The Ford continued in a southerly direction into the direct path of the Chevrolet and Freightliner. The Ford side swiped the left side of the Chevrolet and continued traveling southbound in the northbound number one lane where it collided with the left side of the Freightliner’s flatbed trailer. After being struck by the Ford, the Chevrolet lost control, hit a dirt embankment, overturned in the road, and came to rest on its side in the northbound number two lane. The Freightliner continued northbound on US-101 and pulled into a dirt shoulder, just north of the scene. The Ford came to rest straddling the double yellow lines.

As a result of the crash, the driver of the Ford was pronounced deceased on scene. A passenger in the Chevrolet sustained minor injuries and was transported to Howard Memorial Hospital. It is unknown at this time if drugs or alcohol were a factor in this crash.

The California Highway Patrol, Cal-Trans, Laytonville Fire Department, Cal Fire, and Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office, all responded to the scene. This collision remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol - Garberville Area’s Laytonville Resident Post."