CHP investigating crash that resulted in vehicle going down embankment into the Eel River

"On February 17 at about 11:26 a.m., personnel from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) responded to a traffic crash on State Route 162 near mile marker 10.8. A vehicle was reported to have left the roadway, went down an embankment, and entered the Eel River.  Emergency rescue teams searched the water while officers checked the surrounding area. However, unsafe weather, high water levels, and poor water visibility made conditions too dangerous for search teams to continue in the river. Search and Rescue personnel will resume operations when it is safe to do so. The CHP is working closely with Caltrans, Laytonville Fire Department, CAL FIRE, and the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office to coordinate ongoing search efforts. This crash is still under investigation." --Garberville CHP Officer Giselle Moore.

2/20/26 update: On February 20 at about 12:33 p.m., Search and Rescue personnel were able to locate the missing vehicle in the river, near the original crash location, with at least one confirmed occupant still inside.  The vehicle has been recovered from the river along with the solo occupant.  The search will continue for any possible additional occupants from the vehicle.

This crash is still under investigation.

2/22/26 update: On February 21, at approximately 2:00 p.m., the second occupant from the February 17 crash was located, deceased in the water, approximately five miles downriver.  Although there are no other occupants from the crashed vehicle believed to be unaccounted for, this tragic crash is still under investigation