Reports of a single vehicle accident involving a motorcycle on Hwy 199 began being received by the Del Norte County Sheriff’s Office at approximately 9:30am Thursday morning, August 22nd, prompting multiple agencies including Gasquet Fire Department, California Highway Patrol, Del Norte County Sheriff’s Office, and Del Norte Ambulance to be dispatched to the scene.
According to witnesses in the area, the motorcyclist had been operating the motorcycle without a helmet, was in possession of a handgun, and had possibly shot himself while traveling on Highway 199.
Upon arrival of first responders, the motorcyclist was located about 50 feet from the roadway and down an embankment with multiple injuries.
A handgun was recovered at the scene, and it appeared he had suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The motorcyclist was transported to Sutter Coast Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
This incident is currently being investigated as a suicide.
