News

A 37-year-old Eureka woman was killed last night when she apparently lost control of her motorcycle on northbound U.S. Highway 101 just past the Slough Bridge and struck a sign in the median.

Samantha Barney died at the scene, according to the Eureka Police Department, despite emergency efforts. No other vehicles were involved in the crash that occurred at 5:19 p.m. It remains under investigation.

Read the EPD release below:

On January 9, 2022, at about 5:19 p.m., officers with the Eureka Police Department responded to northbound Highway 101, just north of the Slough Bridge, for the report of a major injury collision involving a single motorcycle. Humboldt Bay Fire and City Ambulance provided emergency medical care on scene; however, due to the extent of the injuries the motorcyclist was pronounced deceased. Next of kin has been notified and the motorcyclist has been identified as 37-year-old Samantha Barney of Eureka. Based on the initial investigation, it appears Barney was driving her motorcycle on northbound Highway 101 when she lost control and struck a sign in the grassy center median. No other vehicles were involved. At this time it is unknown if drugs or alcohol played a factor in the collision.