Mason City Woman, 77, Injured After Falling Asleep at Wheel, Crashing Into Tree Near Rockwell

ROCKWELL, Iowa — A 77-year-old Mason City woman suffered minor injuries Thursday evening after she fell asleep while driving and crashed into a tree on Lark Avenue near Rockwell, according to the Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Office.

The Sheriff’s Office was notified of the single-vehicle accident at 8873 Lark Ave. at 6:07 p.m. Sept. 10.

The driver, identified as Rebecca Dettmer, was northbound on Lark Avenue when she fell asleep, according to the Sheriff’s Office. The vehicle drifted to the west shoulder before crossing back to the east shoulder, entering the east ditch and striking a tree.

Dettmer suffered minor injuries and was transported to the hospital by private vehicle, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

A Cerro Gordo County deputy responded to the scene to investigate, the release said. Rockwell Fire, Mason City Ambulance and Lake Towing assisted at the scene, according to the Sheriff’s Office.