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One dead after car crashes near Norwood, lands in river

A fatal car crash occurred on Colorado Highway 145 in slick conditions Friday. (Courtesy San Miguel County Sheriff)
Slick conditions possible factor; vehicle ended up in San Miguel River

A woman died Thursday during a single-vehicle crash on Colorado Highway 145 east of Norwood.

According to the Colorado State Patrol Trooper Josh Lewis, the driver was northbound about 8:50 p.m. when she lost control and crashed off the right side of the road.

The 1999 Toyota SUV rolled down an embankment into the San Miguel River 115 feet from the road, according to the San Miguel Sheriff Office. The driver was the sole occupant and died at the scene.

She was identified as Pamela Simms, 56, of Norwood, according to San Miguel County Coroner Emil Sante. The cause of death is “undetermined” and an autopsy is scheduled, he said.

Simms’ dog was also in the vehicle, and was located alive and unharmed.

Lewis said slick road conditions are a possible factor in the crash. Simms was not wearing a seat belt, he said. Drugs or alcohol are not suspected.

The Norwood Fire Protection District responded and helped to remove the body from the vehicle. The vehicle was recovered from the river on Dec. 9, Lewis said.