Fatal Etna Creek Crash

**Jan Lee, 70 years old visiting from
Phoenix, Arizona **

On July 18th, 2023, at approximately 1727 hours, Yreka CHP Communications Center (YCC) received a call from reporting parties who located a vehicle overturned into Etna Creek off of Sawyers Bar Road.  The reporting parties related they observed a person inside the vehicle that appeared deceased.  The reporting parties returned to an area with cellular service and called for emergency assistance.  The reporting parties directed law enforcement personnel to where the vehicle was located.

On July 18th, 2023, at approximately 1727 hours, Yreka CHP Communications Center (YCC) received a call from reporting parties who located a vehicle overturned into Etna Creek off of Sawyers Bar Road.  The reporting parties related they observed a person inside the vehicle that appeared deceased.  The reporting parties returned to an area with cellular service and called for emergency assistance.  The reporting parties directed law enforcement personnel to where the vehicle was located.  A Cal-fire firefighter and a Siskiyou County Sheriff Deputy rappelled down the steep 300 foot embankment to check on the vehicle.  The vehicle was located on its roof in a steep gully.  The driver was located inside the vehicle still seat belted in the driver seat and was confirmed to be deceased.  The vehicle was recovered that evening and the driver was taken to Girdner’s Funeral Chapel.  

Based on the physical evidence at the scene it was determined that the white Kia Sorento was travelling westbound on Sawyers Bar Road, west of the Mill Creek Bridge.  As the roadway ascends and makes a sharp curve to the right, the driver allowed the vehicle to leave the roadway onto the southeast shoulder which caused the vehicle to overturn and roll down the steep embankment.  The vehicle rolled multiple times and came to rest in the base of Etna Creek.  The driver sustained fatal injuries as a result of this collision.  Upon initial inspection of the seat belt and safety mechanism, it was apparent that the driver was wearing the seat belt.

It is unknown of the speed the vehicle was traveling at the time of the crash and it is unknown on the exact date or time of when the crash occurred. Multiple agencies including, Cal-Fire, Fort Jones Fire, Etna P.D. Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Department, and Yreka CHP responded to this crash to assist with the recovery of the vehicle and driver.  

Yreka CHP is handling the collision investigation and the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office is handling the Coroner’s investigation.  Alcohol does not appears to be a factor in this collision. 

Source: Report of Collision – News Release, CHP 288A

STATE OF CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL
An Internationally Accredited Agency

REPORT OF COLLISION – NEWS RELEASE

• CALFIRE SISKIYOU UNIT HAND CREW SELECTED FOR BLUE RIBBON AWARD
  Post Views: 4 YREKA – The Blue Ribbon Award was created by the Western Fairs Association, the premier organization dedicated to supporting and promoting the fair industry in the Western United States and Canada, to honor those that go above and beyond to support their annual fair.  The 10th District Agricultural Association Board of Directors,
• 10th DAA selects Kenny Elwood for 2026 Golden Pass
  Post Views: 5 YREKA- The 10th District Agricultural Association Board of Directors is happy to announce a Lifetime Pass will be presented to Kenny Elwood of Bella Vista. The pass will be given at the opening ceremonies of the Siskiyou Golden Fair on June 24th.  Opening ceremony begins at 5:00 PM at the fairground flagpole
• FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT: Carson’s Window Coverings & More
  Post Views: 6 Filing No.: 2026-47-0190FILED IN: Siskiyou CountyDATE: 06-03-2026Laura Bynam, ClerkBy: D.Brooks,Deputy ClerkFICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENTThe following person (persons) is (are) doing business as:Carson’s Window Coverings & More108 S. BroadwayYreka, CA 96097 in SiskiyouMailing Address:108 S. BroadwayYreka, CA 96097530 598-9247Registered Owner(s):Maridee CarsonThis Business is conducted by: An IndividualThe registrant commenced to transact business under
• Traffic Stop in Siskiyou County Leads to $1.9 Million Cocaine Seizure, Driver Arrested
  Post Views: 17 Source – Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office -$1.9 Million Cocaine Seizure Results in Arrest- On May 29, 2026 at approximately 1150 hours, a Siskiyou County Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a 2022 Mazda CX5 for a mechanical violation. During the traffic stop, the driver was found to be unlicensed and demonstrating multiple
• F-35A Lightning II Jets from Luke AFB Arrive for Two-Week Training at Kingsley Field
  Post Views: 14 Siskiyou County, California — Residents in Siskiyou County and surrounding areas may notice increased jet activity and noise in the skies over Shasta Valley and nearby regions as a squadron of advanced F-35A Lightning II fighters from Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, trains with the Oregon Air National Guard’s 173rd Fighter Wing.