Woman dies after car struck by falling debris on Highway 101

A 23-year-old woman died on Highway 101 south of Willits on Wednesday after debris fell out of the semitrailer truck in front of her, struck her car and sent her veering off the road.

The Redwood Valley woman, whom authorities have not identified, was driving her 2014 Subaru north behind the truck just before noon, authorities said, when her car was struck, a news release from the CHP said.

The car careened west, across the southbound lanes and off the shoulder before coming to a rest.

The semitrailer driver continued traveling north on Highway 101.

The woman was taken to Ukiah Valley Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead.

The semitrailer truck has a red cab with a tarp covering its load. The CHP said the truck also might have damage to a wheel and brake drum.

Anyone who might have seen the crash, or who has information about the semitrailer truck driver’s whereabouts, is asked to call the CHP at 707-467-4000.

You can reach Staff Writer Christi Warren at 707-521-5205 or christi.warren@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @SeaWarren.