Humboldt County Mourns Loss of Former Eureka Police Sergeant Rodrigo Reyna-Sanchez in Tragic Carlotta Landslide

CARLOTTA, Calif. — The Humboldt County law enforcement community is in mourning following the sudden and tragic death of Rodrigo Reyna-Sanchez, a former sergeant with the Eureka Police Department, who was killed in a devastating landslide on Saturday, May 31, 2025, near the rural community of Carlotta.

The landslide, which was triggered by recent heavy rains and unstable terrain in the rugged hills of Humboldt County, claimed the life of Reyna-Sanchez while he was on a private property outside Carlotta. Details remain under investigation, but early reports indicate that he was working outdoors near a slope when the ground gave way, burying him under tons of earth and debris.

Emergency responders were dispatched immediately after 911 calls were received, but due to the remoteness of the area and the severity of the slide, access proved difficult. Despite valiant rescue efforts, Reyna-Sanchez was pronounced dead at the scene.

A Life of Service and Integrity

Rodrigo Reyna-Sanchez, known fondly as “Rod” among colleagues, friends, and family, served over two decades in law enforcement, the majority of that time with the Eureka Police Department. He retired as a sergeant, earning the respect and admiration of both his peers and the community he served.

“Rod was the kind of officer every department hopes for,” said a spokesperson for the Eureka Police Department. “He was professional, compassionate, and dedicated to public safety. Even after retirement, he remained an active and uplifting presence in our lives.”

Reyna-Sanchez was known for his commitment to youth outreach and community engagement, often volunteering with local mentoring programs and school safety initiatives. His calm demeanor, sense of fairness, and tireless work ethic left a lasting impact on those around him.

Outpouring of Grief and Support

News of his passing has sent shockwaves throughout Humboldt County and beyond. The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, where many of Reyna-Sanchez’s friends and former colleagues continue to serve, released a heartfelt statement expressing their condolences:

“We are heartbroken over the tragic loss of Rodrigo Reyna-Sanchez. Rod was more than a dedicated public servant—he was a friend, a mentor, and a source of strength within our law enforcement family. Our thoughts are with his loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”

Vigils have already begun forming in Eureka and nearby communities, as residents gather to honor the memory of a man who spent his life working to keep them safe. Flowers, candles, and hand-written notes have been placed outside the Eureka Police Department headquarters, where a black mourning band now hangs across the department’s badge emblem.

Remembered as a Hero and Mentor

Those who worked with Reyna-Sanchez recall him as a man of principle who led by example. “He didn’t just give orders—he showed up, stayed late, and helped shoulder the load,” one fellow officer shared. “He had a quiet strength about him. People listened when he spoke—not because he demanded it, but because they respected him.”

Many younger officers credit Reyna-Sanchez with shaping their careers through mentorship and guidance. His influence extended beyond the department into community service, where he often supported veterans, seniors, and at-risk youth.

“He believed in making real, human connections,” said one family friend. “He wanted to make people feel seen and heard—and he did that, every single day.”

Investigation and Safety Concerns

Authorities continue to investigate the conditions that led to the landslide, which comes amid an unusually wet late spring in Northern California. Recent rainfall has caused widespread concern in Humboldt County, which is known for its steep terrain and geological instability.

Officials are reminding the public to exercise extreme caution in rural and hilly areas, particularly those prone to erosion or slippage. Local emergency management teams are currently surveying nearby zones for signs of further instability and have urged residents to report any signs of ground movement.

Final Salute

Rodrigo Reyna-Sanchez is survived by his wife, children, and extended family. Funeral arrangements are being coordinated with local law enforcement agencies and will include full honors recognizing his years of public service. The community is invited to attend a public memorial service, with details expected to be released in the coming days.

As Humboldt County reflects on this tragic loss, the legacy of Rodrigo Reyna-Sanchez will endure—in the lives he protected, the colleagues he mentored, and the countless people who were made safer, stronger, and more hopeful because of him.

Rest in peace, Sergeant Reyna-Sanchez. Your service will never be forgotten.