Missing Humboldt State University student Erin Henry was found deceased near Westhaven along Highway 101 this morning. Arcata Police Chief Tom Chapman says that she ‘most likely fell to her death.’
Below is the press release from the Arcata Police Department.
“On the morning of 12/8/2017, the Arcata Police Department was contacted by the California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) and informed a maintenance worker had located a knee scooter along HWY 101 south of Westhaven.
Officers responded to the location and conducted a search of the area. During the search, 22-year-old Erin Henry, reported missing to the APD on 11/30/2017, was discovered deceased a short distance east of HWY 101.
With the assistance of the Humboldt County Sheriff/Coroner, Ms. Henry’s body was recovered.
The preliminary investigation revealed no sign of foul play.
The APD would like to thank the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, CalTrans, Humboldt State University, HSU Theater Department, the U.S. Coast Guard, Humboldt Transit Authority, Crescent City Police Department, AT&T, the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office, California State Parks and the numerous volunteers that assisted with search efforts.”
Around 4:00 p.m. APD sent out an updated press release.
“Arcata Police Chief Tom Chapman said 22-year-old Erin Henry’s death appears to have been caused by a fall from Elephant Rock, and there’s reason to believe she committed suicide.
Officials have done a preliminary examination of her body, and the injuries are consistent with a fall, Chapman said. He also said there were at least three witnesses who saw Henry alone near the location where her body was ultimately found.
During the investigation into Henry’s disappearance, officers learned that she’d been having suicidal thoughts. “Evidence uncovered in the investigation early on pointed to this being the likely outcome,” Chapman said.
Henry’s family has been informed of all the above, Chapman said.”
This is terrible news and I feel deeply for Henry’s family.
Henry is the second person to go missing in Arcata and to be found deceased within the last month.
On Nov. 20, Felix Desautels-Poirier was reported missing by his friends at Arcata’s marsh. Poirier was found by his father who had traveled from Canada to look for his son after he went missing.
HSU also released a statement:
“Today we learned of the loss of Humboldt State student Erin Henry. We want to express our deepest sympathies to her family, friends, colleagues, and the faculty and staff who knew her. We ask you to keep her loved ones in your thoughts and comfort each other during this time.
Students can contact Counseling & Psychological Services at 707.826.3236. The Dean of Students Office can also be reached at 707.826.3504. Staff or faculty seeking additional support may utilize the Employee Assistance Program at 707.443.7358.”
