Humboldt County deputies responded quickly on September 25 when a driver lost control of a Toyota Tacoma on a winding road above Water Canyon. The vehicle rolled off the road and tumbled roughly 300 yards down a steep canyon in the Sonoma Mountain Range.

Because the crash site was inaccessible by ground vehicles, emergency crews called in an HGH EMS Air One helicopter. The aircraft hovered over the rugged terrain, allowing rescuers to reach the driver who was trapped inside the overturned pickup.

Members of the Tri‑County Special Response Team – the county’s SWAT unit – worked alongside Humboldt County Sheriff’s Deputies and emergency‑medical personnel from Humboldt General Hospital. Together they secured the driver, lifted him onto the helicopter stretcher and loaded him into the aircraft.

The pilot flew the patient to the nearest hospital, where doctors began treatment for severe injuries. Officials said the driver is expected to recover, though he remains under close medical observation.

Deputy Chief Mark Jensen of the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office praised the coordinated effort, noting that the rapid deployment of air‑rescue assets saved valuable time. “Our teams train for these challenging scenarios, and today’s successful rescue is a testament to that preparation and to the dedication of our first‑responders,” he said.

Community impact and safety reminder

While the incident underscores the dangers of navigating narrow mountain roads, it also highlights the strength of local emergency‑response capabilities. Residents of the region rely on the county’s deputies, SWAT teams and medical partners to handle crises ranging from wildfires to remote accidents.

Authorities encourage drivers to exercise caution on steep, winding routes, especially during adverse weather conditions. The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office reminds motorists to keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, use turn signals on blind curves, and pull over safely if they feel uncertain about road conditions.

For those interested in supporting local first‑responders, the county regularly hosts community events and volunteer opportunities. Information can be found on the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office website.

Original reporting: 2news.com — read the source article.