NICE, Calif. – A Redwood Valley woman died early Tuesday morning following a crash on Highway 20, with officials seeking information about the driver of a white pickup that may have contributed to the wreck.
The California Highway Patrol did not identify the 65-year-old crash victim pending notification of her family.
The crash occurred at 6:15 a.m. on Highway 20 east of Floyd Way in Nice, according to the CHP.
The Redwood Valley woman was driving a 2010 Toyota Corolla westbound when she attempted to pass a white pickup truck by using the center two-way turn lane, the CHP said.
The CHP said that as the woman was attempting to pass the pickup, the pickup appeared to accelerate as both vehicles entered a right curve in the roadway.
The Toyota driver lost control of the vehicle, which veered across the eastbound lane and struck a dirt embankment on the south side of the highway. The CHP said the impact caused the Toyota to overturn before it hit a large tree.
Firefighters responded to the scene and found the Toyota driver deceased. The CHP said the Toyota's driver was wearing her seat belt.
The crash remains under investigation, led by Officer Michael Phillips. The CHP said it is unknown if drugs or alcohol contributed to the crash.
The CHP is actively seeking any witnesses to the crash as well as any information that would help identify the unknown white pickup truck and its driver.
If anyone has any information they are asked to contact the CHP's Clear Lake Area office at 707-279-0103.
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