A 59-year-old Arcata man died after being hit by a car in the early morning hours of May 14 while he was reportedly walking within the lanes of U.S. Highway 101 just north of the Indianola Cuttoff.

According to the California Highway Patrol, Troy Rassbach was struck just after 3:30 a.m. Medical personnel responded to the scene but he succumbed to his injuries.

Impairment of the driver was not a factor, the CHP reported. The results of Rassbach’s toxicology screening are pending.

The CHP is continuing to investigate the collision and any one with information is asked to contact the agency at 822-5981, or 268-2000 after business hours.

On 05-14-2022, at approximately 3:32 AM, the CHP Humboldt Communication Center (HCC) received a call of a vehicle versus pedestrian traffic crash on US-101 Southbound, north of Indianola Cutoff.

Based on CHP's preliminary investigation, it appears this crash occurred when 59-year-old Troy Rassbach of Arcata CA, was walking within the lanes of US-101 Southbound and was struck by a 2010 Honda Pilot driven by 44-year-old Stephanie Mellen of Eureka. Emergency medical personnel responded to the scene and rendered aid to Mr. Rassbach. However, despite the efforts of medical personnel, Mr. Rassbach succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Impairment is not a factor in the driving of the vehicle. Impairment of Mr. Rassbach is unknown at this time and will be determined by the Humboldt County Coroner's Office.

The CHP is continuing to investigate this crash and asks anyone with information to contact the Humboldt Area CHP at (707) 822-5981 or (707) 268-2000 after business hours.

The California Highway Patrol extends its condolences to the family of the deceased and would like to thank the following agencies for their response and assistance with this investigation: Eureka Police Department, Humboldt Bay Fire Department, Arcata Mad River Ambulance, Humboldt County Sheriff's Department, California Department of Transportation and Humboldt Towing.