Man dies after truck crashes into Humboldt Hill home

HUMBOLDT HILL (KIEM)-One man is dead and a woman injured after a crash in Humboldt Hill. It happened at around 10:30 pm Friday on the 5600 block of Humboldt Hill Road.

According to officials, a 2005 Ford F250 pickup, driven by 25 year old Ryder Stapp of Fields Landing, was traveling northbound at a high rate of speed. Stapp, for unknown reasons went off the roadway, struck a sign at the Redwood Christian Center and then went through a fence and crashed into a home; with four people inside. Injuring two, killing one.

64 year old Robert Beland who was pinned inside the residence was transported to St. Joseph Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Beland’s wife, Elizabeth Martin, was also injured and treated at the hospital.

Stapp was arrested at the scene and taken to the Humboldt County Jail for charges related to DUI, hit and run, and vehicular manslaughter.

Excessive speed and alcohol are believed to have been the cause of the crash.