U.S. 101 Reopens After Fatal Crash Near Cloverdale

NORTH SONOMA COUNTY, CA — One person died and three others were injured in a three-car collision early Wednesday morning on U.S. Highway 101 in Cloverdale, the California Highway Patrol said.

A Sig-alert was issued and northbound U.S. 101 was closed until around 10 a.m. as CHP investigated the fatal incident that occurred just north of state Highway 128.

The agency's preliminary investigation indicated that around 5:20 a.m., the driver of a Kia Forte lost control on northbound U.S. 101 and collided with the concrete center median. The Forte then overturned and stopped in the middle of the two northbound lanes, CHP Officer David deRutte said.

A Santa Rosa man in a Kia Optima was also traveling northbound and sideswiped the Forte, deRutte said.

Then a Rohnert Park man driving a Chrysler 200 collided with the front of the Forte, deRutte said.

"At this time, we believe the driver of the Forte was attempting to exit his vehicle when the second collision occurred with the Chrysler," deRutte said. "The driver of the Forte was ejected and sustained fatal injuries."

The Optima driver was not injured but there were two passengers in the Forte who suffered moderate to major injuries.

The driver of the Chrysler also suffered injuries; his were described as moderate.

The name of the driver who died was withheld until his family members were properly notified.

• Authorities ID Driver Killed In U.S. Hwy 101 Crash In Cloverdale

If anyone witnessed the collision or events leading up to it, they are asked to call the Santa Rosa CHP Office at 707-588-1400.

A Sig-alert was issued at 5:47 a.m. for northbound US 101 and it remained closed until 10:03 a.m. Wednesday— resulting in severe traffic delays.