NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – A solo-vehicle crash last week in Humboldt County claimed the life of a young Kelseyville man.

Joel Sanchez Sosa, 18, died in the wreck, which occurred at 11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10, south of Scotia, according to the California Highway Patrol's Humboldt Area office.

The CHP said Sosa was driving a 2007 Hummer H3 Alpha southbound on US 101, south of the Stafford Road Undercrossing, at an unknown speed.

For reasons that are still under investigation, the CHP said Sosa failed to maintain control of the vehicle, which he allowed to turn off the roadway and toward a steep embankment.  

The Hummer first hit a mile post marker and then two trees, the CHP said.

The CHP said Sosa, who was properly restrained, sustained fatal injuries as a result of the crash.

His passengers – two juveniles males, ages 16 and 17, from Cloverdale – also were wearing their seat belts, the CHP said.

The 17-year-old sustained major injuries, while the 16-year-old had minor injuries, the CHP said. Both were transported by ambulance to Redwood Memorial Hospital for treatment.

The CHP, Redcrest Volunteer Fire Department, Scotia Volunteer Fire Department, Cal Fire, Humboldt County Coroner and City Ambulance responded to the scene of the wreck, which did not close the highway.

The crash, still under investigation by the CHP, was not the result of driving under the influence, the agency said.

An online memorial fund has been set up for Sosa's family at https://www.giveforward.com/fundraiser/m836/joel-sanchez-sosa-memorial-fund .