MENDOCINO CO., 7/5/19 — Yesterday, July 4, a 35 year old man from San Francisco was killed on Branscomb Rd. when his vehicle collided head on with a GMC Sierra driven by Shideewum Martinez. The name of the deceased has not yet been released pending notification of next of kin.
Martinez, 22 of Laytonville, was taken into custody on suspicion of driving under the influence. The deceased was driving a 1993 Ford Ranger.
Two passengers in Martinez’s car were taken to Mendocino Coast Hospital by a passerby. William Retzleff, 26 of Redwood Valley, sustained moderate injuries, while Corey James, 23, sustained major injuries.
Here is the press release from the California Highway Patrol:
On July 4, 2019 at approximately 1925 hours, P-1 was driving a 1993 Ford Ranger westbound Branscomb Road west of Laytonville at an unknown speed. At the same time, Shideewum Martinez was driving a 2003 GMC Sierra eastbound Branscomb Road at an unknown speed approaching P-1. For reasons still under investigation, both vehicles collided head on in the center of the roadway.
The driver of the Ford Ranger succumbed to his injuries at the scene, his name is being withheld, pending next of kin notification by the Mendocino County Coroner.
Both passengers in V-2 were transported by a private citizen to Mendocino Coast Hospital for treatment of their injuries.
Martinez was evaluated and placed under arrest for suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol.
This incident remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol Garberville Area.
CHP