Rigo Reyna-Sanchez Obituary, Death – A tragic landslide along Highway 36 in Humboldt County has claimed the life of a 58-year-old worker who was later identified as Rigo Reyna-Sanchez, a former sergeant with the Eureka Police Department. The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) confirmed his identity in a statement issued following the incident, which occurred early Saturday morning.
According to officials, the landslide took place at approximately 5:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 1, 2025. The location wa east of Swimmer’s Delight, a popular recreation area along the Van Duzen River. At the time of the landslide, Reyna-Sanchez was on duty working for a private local contractor involved in ongoing road maintenance or construction operations on the highway.
Reyna-Sanchez was fatally injured in the slide, which officials described as both sudden and devastating. The sheriff’s office expressed deep sorrow in their public statement, offering condolences to Reyna-Sanchez’s family, friends, and former colleagues. “This is a heartbreaking loss for our community and for all who knew and worked with Rigo,” the statement read. The sheriff’s office emphasized the respect Reyna-Sanchez had earned during his years of service in law enforcement and noted his continued dedication to public service even after retiring from the Eureka Police Department.
Caltrans, the state transportation agency overseeing California’s highways, also issued a statement following the incident. They noted that the landslide area remains unstable and that Highway 36 is still closed to the public until further notice. No estimate has been provided as to when it may safely reopen.
In their remarks, Caltrans underscored the inherent danger that comes with maintaining the state’s highways, especially in rural or mountainous areas like Humboldt County where unstable terrain and weather conditions can quickly turn hazardous. “This tragic incident, happening so soon after our annual workers’ memorial service, serves as a sobering reminder of the real risks our highway workers face every day,” the agency said.
The California Highway Patrol has taken the lead in investigating the circumstances surrounding the landslide and Reyna-Sanchez’s death. Authorities are working to determine if any warning signs of instability were present before the slide occurred or if any procedures need to be updated to enhance safety in future roadwork operations. No further details have been released about the cause of the landslide or whether other workers were nearby at the time.
Rigo Reyna-Sanchez had built a long and respected career in law enforcement before transitioning into contract work. As a sergeant with the Eureka Police Department, he served the local community with professionalism and compassion. Colleagues remember him as a dependable officer, a mentor to younger officers, and someone who always had a calm and measured approach, even in stressful situations.
Many in the community are mourning his death, including those who knew him through his police work and others who had come to know him through more recent roles. Social media posts from local residents and former coworkers expressed shock and sadness, describing Reyna-Sanchez as a man of integrity, deeply committed to his work and family.
One former colleague at the Eureka Police Department shared, “Rigo was one of the good guys—always willing to lend a hand, always quick with a smile. He cared about people and took his duty seriously. He’s going to be missed by a lot of people.”
At the time of his death, Reyna-Sanchez was employed by a local contractor involved in infrastructure maintenance—a testament to his continued dedication to serving the public, even after retiring from policing. He is survived by his wife and children, who now face the difficult task of moving forward without him.
Local agencies are continuing to coordinate their response in the aftermath of the incident. Officials are also working with geologists and other experts to assess the stability of the surrounding area and determine the safest way to clear and reopen the affected section of Highway 36.
In the meantime, detours remain in place, and drivers are being urged to avoid the area until further notice. Caltrans stressed that safety is their top priority, not just for the public, but for all personnel working on California’s roadways.
As the community reflects on this tragedy, it also serves as a reminder of the often-overlooked dangers faced by those who maintain vital infrastructure. From law enforcement to road crews, Reyna-Sanchez spent his life contributing to the safety and well-being of others. His loss is deeply felt by all who knew him and by a community that now mourns one of its own.
Officials say additional updates will be provided as the investigation progresses and once it is deemed safe to reopen the highway.