Woman sustains fatal injuries in Highway 44 collision

An Aug. 22 collision on Highway 44 claimed the life of a Westwood resident, according to the California Highway Patrol

According to a statement from CHP, at approximately 3:26 p.m. Aug. 22, Michelle Hedrick, 43, of Westwood, was driving her 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe westbound on Highway 44, near mile post marker 12.42.

Hedrick allowed her Chevrolet Tahoe to leave the road and drive onto the dirt shoulder and allegedly veered from the dirt shoulder back to the westbound lane then veered back onto the dirt shoulder.

According to the statement,  Hedrick lost control of her Chevrolet Tahoe causing it to roll several times before coming to rest partially blocking the eastbound lane of Highway 44. Though Ms. Hedrick was wearing her seatbelt, she suffered fatal injuries as a result of the collision. No other vehicles were involved and no other people were injured from this collision.

This collision is still under investigation by the California Highway Patrol. Any witnesses are encouraged to contact the Susanville CHP Officer Peterson at (530) 252-1900.

The California Highway Patrol would like to thank CalFire-Susanville, Lassen National Forest Fire Crew 383, Lassen County Sheriff’s Office, United States Forest Service Law Enforcement Division, and Shasta County Fire for their assistance with the collision and traffic control.