Piercy, CA (May 4, 2024) — California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers are searching for a hit-and-run driver responsible for striking and killing a 28-year-old pedestrian on U.S. Highway 101 early Saturday morning. Dakota Stafslien was found deceased in the northbound lanes of State Route 10, near Piercy.
Incident Overview: According to a CHP news release, officers responded after receiving a report of a person lying on the road around 2:45 a.m. Saturday. Stafslien, from the Garberville/Redway area, was pronounced dead at the scene. Preliminary findings suggest she was walking on the highway when she was hit by an unknown vehicle.
The incident occurred during light rain conditions, and the driver failed to stop or report the collision. Authorities are actively investigating the case and are urging anyone with information about the involved vehicle or driver to contact the CHP’s Garberville Area office.
Investigation and Legal Considerations: The CHP is working diligently to uncover details surrounding the hit-and-run crash. The investigation will determine contributing factors, including driver negligence or visibility issues due to weather. Based on preliminary information, Stafslien’s family may consider pursuing legal action for wrongful death once the driver is identified, seeking compensation for funeral expenses and emotional distress. Anyone with relevant information about the incident is asked to contact the California Highway Patrol’s Garberville Area office at 707-932-6100 during regular business hours.
My sincerest condolences go out to Dakota Stafslien’s family and friends. I hope that the driver responsible is brought to justice and that the family is able to get the support they need after this awful incident.
Source: Times-Standard