Preliminary autopsy shows North Dakota college students drowned
DICKINSON, N.D. - The Stark County sheriff says preliminary autopsy results show drowning as the cause of death of three college softball players, including a Manitoba woman, whose sport utility vehicle went into a livestock pond in southwestern North Dakota.
The bodies of 21-year-old Ashley Neufeld, of Brandon, 22-year-old Kyrstin Gemar and 20-year-old Afton Williamson were found Tuesday inside the SUV. It was submerged about three metres of water in a pond north of Dickinson.
Sheriff Clarence Tuhy said Friday the bodies of two of the women were found in the rear cargo area of the SUV and one was found in the middle of the vehicle.
The women were believed to have gone on a stargazing trip Sunday night. Authorities said they likely drove straight into the water in the darkness.
Tuhy said a complete autopsy report, including tests for drugs and alcohol, will not be finished for a week or two.
