Fatality confirmed in Dixon rollover

DIXON — A single-vehicle rollover in a canal resulted in one confirmed fatality early Thursday morning.

The rollover occurred off Bench Rd at the junction of Bench and Neffner Rd in Dixon.

Montana Highway Patrol Officer James Sanderson stated the Sanders County registered-vehicle was upside down and completely submerged in the canal when authorities arrived on scene. He also said there was one confirmed fatality, the single occupant of the vehicle. The woman's name was Echo DeLong, 43, of Plains.

Office Sanderson confirmed further details involving the rollover, stating DeLong had been traveling eastbound on Bench Rd when at the crest of the hill (near Neffner Rd.), the vehicle skidded to the right side of the road, and was overcorrected to the left. DeLong lost control of the vehicle and flipped the car into the ditch, to the left side of Bench Rd.

Toxicology reports regarding DeLong are presently unavailable.

"It is unknown if drugs or alcohol were a factor in the crash," Officer Sanderson said. "Speed is the only factor."

DeLong had not been wearing a seatbelt.

Authorities from Dixon Fire Department, Tribal Police, MHP, Mission Valley Ambulance and SCSO responded to the call and were at the scene of the crash. Montana Highway Patrol is still investigating the accident and are awaiting toxicology reports.

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