Autopsy shows three softball players, including Paloma Valley grad, drowned in vehicle

Afton Williamson

As friends and family prepare to hold memorial services in Southern California, authorities in North Dakota say preliminary autopsy results show drowning as the cause of death for three college softball players found dead inside a sport utility vehicle that sunk in a rural farm pond.

Stark County Sheriff Clarence Tuhy said Friday that two of the women’s bodies were found in the SUV’s rear cargo area and one was found in the middle of the vehicle.

The bodies of 20-year-old Afton Williamson of Lake Elsinore, 22-year-old Kyrstin Gemar of San Diego, Calif.; and 21-year-old Ashley Neufeld, of Brandon, Manitoba, were found Tuesday. Williamson attended and played softball at Paloma Valley High school and Riverside Community College.

Investigators believe the Dickinson State students were on a stargazing trip Sunday and likely drove into the water in the darkness.

A complete autopsy report, including tests for drugs and alcohol, isn’t expected for a week or two.

Tags: afton williamson, Dickinson State, Kyrstin Gemar, paloma valley high school, Stark County sheriff Clarence Tuhy, SWRNN

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