– On July 17th, 2025, at approximately 2025 hours, Richard Price (50 yrs old, out of Redding, CA) was driving his 2021 GMC pickup northbound on SR-49, north of Yuba Pass Rd., at an unknown speed. Due to his intoxication, Price allowed the GMC to leave the east edge of the roadway and travel onto the east dirt and gravel shoulder where the front right side impacted with a metal advisory sign. The GMC continued north on the shoulder where the front and right side of the vehicle impacted with large pine trees. Passing motorists stopped at the scene a located Price and his passenger, Eric McDougal (48 yrs old, out of Redding, CA), unconscious in the passenger compartment of the GMC. Personnel from the Sierraville Fire Department, United States Forest Service, Eastern Plumas Healthcare, and the California Highway Patrol responded to the scene. Price regained consciousness and was eventually assisted from vehicle by emergency personnel. McDougal did not regain consciousness at the scene and had to be extricated from the GMC. McDougal was flown to Renown Medical Center by REMSA Careflight for treatment of his
life-threatening injuries. Price was evaluated at the scene and found to be under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. Price was arrested and booked into the Nevada County Jail, where he remains at this time.
Unfortunately, McDougal suffered catastrophic injuries as a result of the crash. Extraordinary measures were taken to save his life, but on Monday, July 21st, 2025, McDougal succumbed to his injuries.
This incident is still under investigation by the Quincy Area Office of the California Highway Patrol, and the Sierra County District Attorney’s Office.
The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.
