Death of University of Idaho dean ruled accidental drowning

OROFINO, Idaho – North Idaho authorities have determined that a dean at the University of Idaho found dead in a car submerged in a reservoir died as a result of an accidental drowning after making a wrong turn.

Clearwater County Sheriff Chris Goetz said 57-year-old Paul Joyce couldn’t get out of the Toyota Prius when it started sinking in Dworshak Reservoir late at night in April.

KREM-TV reports that the Clearwater County coroner in a news release Wednesday said no alcohol was found in Joyce’s system.

Officials say Joyce left the town of Ahshka at about 10:30 p.m. to go to his hotel but took a wrong turn in unfamiliar surroundings and drove down the Big Eddy Boat Ramp.

His submerged car was found the next day.