Three Others Injured in Early Sunday Morning Collision
Staff Report
Humboldt Sentinel
On Sunday, November 11, 2012, just before 3 in the morning, 17-year old-Steven James Hillaire of Miranda was
driving a 2005 Chevy Monte Carlo northbound on State Route
254, also known as Avenue of the Giants, north of Miranda,
when his vehicle ran off the east roadway edge.
The vehicle’s left side ultimately collided into a large redwood tree where the vehicle came to rest, the California Highway Patrol reported.
Three of the vehicle’s four passengers sustained major injuries:
- Shawn Paul Bergeron, 20, of Phillipsville, was transported to Redwood Memorial Hospital in Fortuna with major injuries.
- Christopher Allen Thompson, 16, of Rio Dell was transported to St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka with major injuries.
- Cora Kent Pickens, 31, of Garberville was transported to Redwood Memorial Hospital with major injuries and was later flown to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital.
29-year-old James Charles Leibman of McKinleyville was uninjured, but was transported to Redwood Memorial Hospital for a precautionary evaluation.
Steven Hillaire was trapped in the driver’s seat and had to be extricated by fire personnel. He was transported to St. Joseph Hospital with major injuries and was later flown to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital where the young man was pronounced deceased Sunday afternoon.
DUI does not appear to be a factor and the Garberville Office of the California Highway Patrol Garberville is investigating this traffic collision, they reported.
(Posted by Skippy Massey)
God, Steven was one of my little brother’s best friends. I remember him when he was little, reminded me of a Wonderland lost boy- barefoot and muddy, running wild around the Eel with my brother.
My heart goes out to his dad and sister. RIP
I am Stevens Mother, and that little memory was beautiful me. My son was a one of a kind young man, there will never be another like him ever again. We miss him more and more everyday in every way.
I pray for all of us. I knew Steven in Skype, and in game. Talked to him many times, one of the most unique people i knew, Have a few of world wide pen pals. My dear friend, I will miss you terribly. Pravius dont forget our love of Chess and kickin ass