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Niles Police release findings in fatal river crash

Niles Police say a vehicle carrying two South Bend women entered the St. Joseph River last month, killing both occupants.

Vanessa Bautista and Alexandra Navarro-Torres were found inside a submerged Jeep on September 15.

Autopsies determined both died from accidental drowning. Investigators say the Jeep crossed into the wrong lane, failed to stop at a stop sign and traveled above the posted 25-mile-per-hour speed limit. Vehicle data showed it was going about 47 miles per hour when it went over an embankment and into the river.

Toxicology tests found elevated blood-alcohol levels in both women.

Police say there is no evidence another person or vehicle forced them off the road.

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