Posted Saturday, June 5, 2010 --- 8:10 p.m.

From the Rock County Sheriff's Office:

On June 5, 2010 at 3:30PM, deputies from the Rock County Sheriff’s Office, along with Janesville Fire and Paramedics, responded to a single vehicle crash that occurred on W. Mineral Point road approximately one-tenth of a mile east of N. Little road. This crash was in the Town of Janesville, 1.4 miles west of the City of Janesville, in the County of Rock. Units began to arrive on scene at 3:35PM. East and Westbound traffic for Mineral Point road was closed and diverted until 5:30PM.

Preliminary investigation revealed a 1971 Ford Limited LTD driven by Dorothy M. Silverthorn, age 88, of Janesville WI, was westbound on Mineral Point road. Silverthorn crested a slight hill during a heavy rainstorm and lost control of her vehicle. Silverthorn left the road and traveled 289 feet in the north ditch before striking a tree. The vehicle’s final resting position was in the north ditch facing southwest next to the tree. Silverthorn was wearing a seatbelt while driving the vehicle. Silverthorn was transported by Janesville Paramedics to Mercy Hospital, Janesville, WI where she was pronounced dead.

Speed and alcohol are not contributing factor in this crash. Any further information will be released when it becomes available and all reports are completed.

ROBERT D. SPODEN
SHERIFF