Woman dead in vehicle at scene of accident in Carson Valley

An elderly woman was found dead behind the wheel of a 1994 Ford Explorer early Thursday morning.

The Nevada Highway Patrol and Douglas County Sheriff's Office responded to the single-vehicle accident at 6:38 a.m. on Mottsville Lane between Highway 88 and Foothill Road.

The Explorer was found in a ditch containing about 4 feet of water. It had taken out a section of fence along side the road. Damage to the vehicle was minor.

Trooper Chuck Allen of the NHP said the accident is being investigated as a fatality, although there may be some question as to whether the accident caused the woman's death or the other way around.