A 59-year-old Indigenous woman, a well-known mental health advocate in Northern California’s Humboldt County, was discovered dead in an apparent murder-suicide earlier this month, officials announced.
Investigators with the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department said in a news release that deputies responded to a residence in Weitchpec, an unincorporated village on the Yurok reservation about 35 miles northeast of Eureka, on Feb 3.
While details are limited and it’s unclear exactly what occurred, authorities located Celinda Gonzales and her husband, 52-year-old Arthur Guitierrez Gonzales Jr., both deceased from an apparent murder-suicide carried out by Arthur, SFGATE reported.
“The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Division is actively investigating the incident and is working closely with the Yurok Tribal Police,” officials said.
Gonzales was widely known for her work in suicide prevention, a calling shaped by her own family’s tragedies. In a 2020 CalMatters story examining a rise in suicides in Humboldt County, she shared that her 19-year-old son and later her brother had both died by suicide, pushing her to dedicate herself to mental health advocacy.
Yurok Tribal Police Chief Greg O’Rourke walking across a bridge near End of Road, a far corner of the Yurok Reservation where the rutted pavement dissolves into thick woods. (AP Photo/Nathan Howard)
“We have to talk about it, it’s reality and we have to address it,” she told the outlet. “And how do we help?”
After receiving training, Gonzales worked alongside local law enforcement and fire agencies on mental health issues and became a strong voice for her tribal community.
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In a Facebook post, the Yurok Tribe described the 59-year-old as a dedicated administrative assistant for her people, who routinely connected tribe members with resources and services and always go the extra mile.
“Celinda was deeply involved in Tribal governance and improving the lives of Tribal citizens,” the post read in part. “She was a beloved friend to many Tribal Councilmembers, staff and community members. This is a tremendous tragedy for the Tribe.”
Anyone experiencing emotional distress or crisis is encouraged to seek support. If you or someone you know is in crisis, support is available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, by calling or texting 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
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