Woman, 52, dies after car plunges into ditch

By Jackie Valley (contact)

Monday, Feb. 6, 2012 | 8:30 a.m.

A 52-year-old North Las Vegas woman died when her car crashed into a drainage ditch Sunday afternoon, officials said.

The Clark County Coroner’s Office identified the fatality victim as Sandra Metz, but has not determined her official cause and manner of death.

North Las Vegas Police said the single-vehicle accident happened at 3:07 p.m. near Clayton Street and Ranch House Road.

It appears Metz was driving a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt at a high rate of speed east on Ranch House Road, which ends at a T-shaped intersection with Clayton Street, police said.

The Chevrolet apparently crossed Clayton Street and crashed through a chain link fence, landing in a drainage ditch, police said.

The impact ejected the woman, who suffered serious head injuries and later died at University Medical Center, police said. The vehicle did not contain other passengers.

Authorities are investigating whether alcohol and speed contributed to the accident, police said. It was the first fatal crash in North Las Vegas this year.

The Clark County Coroner’s Office will identify the victim pending notification of her family.