Humboldt County, CA (July 23, 2024) The community of Humboldt County experienced a tragedy on Friday, July 19th, when a pedestrian was killed. 25-year-old Joseph McCovey was struck and killed by a vehicle while walking along State Route 96, officers reported. The accident occurred around 11:40 p.m., not far from Shoemaker Road.
It was dark as 25-year-old McCovey walked along State Route 96 on the night of July 19th. At the same time, a 2015 Kia Soul was heading along the highway, approaching McCovey. The driver of the Kia, 18-year-old Neo McKindle and his 19-year-old passenger, Dawnalee Rangel, told officers that the pedestrian walked onto the roadway, directly in front of them. The force sent McCovey flying through the air before a hard landing on the side of the highway.
The two teenagers inside the Kia drove to the Hoopa Valley Tribal Police Station and frantically told officers what had happened. The two were shaken but cooperated with authorities, according to reports. Officers went to the scene and found Joseph McCovey lying on the ground, motionless. They determined that he had been killed in the accident and pronounced him dead at the scene, right there on the side of State Route 96.
Officers with the California Highway Patrol are leading this investigation and are determined to better understand what exactly happened on that dark stretch of highway. They have asked that anyone who might have information regarding this deadly accident, contact the Humboldt Area CHP at (707) 822-5981. Officers are working to determine if drugs or alcohol were factors in this fatal accident.
Our team at Accident News Now extends heartfelt sympathies to the family of Joseph McCovey following this horrible accident. We know you are grieving this loss and we’d like for you to know that we have people who can help. Our team of legal experts is ready to offer guidance and support during this difficult time.
Have you or a loved one been impacted by this event? Our team specializes in pedestrian accidents and we are here to help. You can reach us 24/7 at (866) 945-4286 or visit our online contact form at Accident News Now.