CHP seeks Klamath man after fatal crash

Driver, 30, suspected of fleeing from scene

The California Highway Patrol is  seeking a Klamath man suspected of being the driver in a fatal wreck in Humboldt County on Friday afternoon and then fleeing the scene.

The wreck occurred on U.S. Highway 101, near the Del Norte County line at 2:10 p.m.

The CHP said Merle C. Stevenson Jr., 30, is suspected of driving his 2000 Chevrolet Camaro off an embankment while under the influence of alcohol.

The vehicle reportedly overturned at least once.

Ronald G. Gifford, 62, Klamath, was killed when he was ejected from the vehicle and onto the dirt embankment, the CHP said.

Klamath residents Brenda L Wright, 25, and Fannie M. Gifford, 24,  suffered minor injuries and were not taken to the hospital, the CHP said.

Stevenson fled the scene on foot and had not been located Friday night, the CHP said.

He was described 5 feet, 7 inches tall, weighing 180 pounds. He is an  American Indian with brown eyes and partially shaved hair and a black pony tail.

The CHP asks anyone with information about the suspect to contact the Humboldt County office at 707-822-5981.