Two people are dead in Weitchpec in a suspected murder-suicide, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office reported Wednesday. Deputies responded to a reported murder-suicide at 8:47 p.m. Tuesday to a rural residence on Lewis Road in Weitchpec, a release stated.

“Upon arrival, deputies located two individuals deceased inside the residence. Based on the preliminary investigation, the incident appears to be consistent with a murder-suicide,” a release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office said.

The Sheriff’s Office’s Major Crimes Division is investigating the incident with assistance from Yurok Tribal Police. Spokespeople for the Yurok Tribe and the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office did not return requests for more information before the Times-Standard print deadline.

The Yurok Tribe identified one of the deceased as tribal citizen Celinda Gonzalez, a suicide prevention advocate.

“A devoted mother, primary caregiver for her elderly parents and tribal employee, Celinda advocated for mental health resources and suicide prevention in the Weitchpec area. As a dedicated administrative assistant for the tribe, Celinda worked tirelessly to connect Yurok people with Tribal services. Celinda would always go the extra mile to help fellow community members of all ages,” a statement from the Yurok Tribe said.

“Celinda was deeply involved in tribal governance and improving the lives of Tribal citizens. She was a beloved friend to many Tribal Council members, staff and community members. This is a tremendous tragedy for the tribe,” the statement said.

The Yurok Tribe has established grief counseling services for those affected. An outpouring of grief followed the news.

“Tragic situations like this always raise questions, and we will do our best to answer as many as we can as information becomes available and as appropriate to share. Our thoughts and condolences are with the families, friends, and community members impacted by this heartbreaking event,” according to a message from the Yurok Tribal Police.

“We ask the community to keep those impacted in your thoughts and to respect the privacy of the families during this difficult time,” the message said.

Yurok Tribal Council member Philip Williams held a moment of silence in response at an ongoing Missing and Murdered Indigenous People summit on Wednesday in the Sacramento area.

“Each and every person in our community is a part of us. We’re all linked together. I’m deeply saddened because this person held me accountable almost every council session, and what did she champion? Her fight was for law enforcement to be on our land so they can be safe,” he said.

“We’re going to continue to stay in this fight. That’s what we’re here for. I wanted to go (to the) home of (this) person, but the way to honor her is to stay in this fight and continue to do this work,” he said.

Weitchpec district representative Toby Vanlandingham urged people to check on friends and loved ones in a Facebook post.

Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to call the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at 707-445-7251 or the tip line at 707-268-2539. The suicide and crisis lifeline for people linving in the county can be reached at 988.

Help for residents

United Indian Health Services grief counselors will be available in the Weitchpec Clinic at 23001 State Route 96 and can be reached at 530-625-4300. The Yurok Tribe is providing additional grief counseling on request. People can contact Shoshoni Hostler at 707-499-2574. Additionally, the tribe is offering a day of administrative leave for those grieving.