Deceased woman found near I-15 identified

I-15 near the site a woman's body was discovered by the side of the roadway, St. George, Utah, June 12, 2012 | Photo by Aspen Stoddard, St. George News

ST. GEORGE – The name of a woman found dead by Interstate 15 near Exit 4 two weeks ago has been released by the Utah Highway Patrol.

Dalene Bird, 42, of St. George, was identified as the woman whose body was discovered June 12, UHP Sgt. Todd Royce confirmed Thursday.

Around 5:30 a.m. on June 12, police officers discovered an abandoned car parked along northbound I-15 with the side window down and the keys still in the ignition. There were also papers strewn around inside the car with the letters “DNR” written on them. UHP officials said the term commonly stands for “do not resuscitate.”

The officer at the scene had dispatchers look up the car’s owner, who the officer then called. The man told the officer the car belonged to his ex-wife and that he didn’t have any knowledge of her whereabouts.

As it was still dark out, the officer did not see Bird’s body nearby, which was discovered an hour later by a passing cyclist. The deceased body of her pet dog was also found at the scene.

UHP troopers returned to the scene and began to investigate the incident. Based on evidence found in the area, it appeared Bird and her dog had been hit by a large vehicle and knocked off the side of the road.

The vehicle that struck Bird and her dog has yet to be identified.

The investigation into Bird’s death is ongoing, Royce said, and investigators are still looking at the possibility that her death may have been self-inflicted.

As the investigation is ongoing, the public is asked for any information relating to the case. Anyone who saw any vehicles stopped near this on-ramp early on the morning of June 12 is encouraged to call Cedar City dispatch at 435-586-9445.

St. George News Assistant Editor Cami Cox Jim contributed to this article.

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4 Comments

  • Mean momma June 27, 2014 at 8:03 am

    I thought this was released a couple days after the accident? This seems like really old news!

    • Avatar photo Joyce Kuzmanic June 27, 2014 at 9:25 am

      Mean Momma, her name has just been released by authorities.
      JK
      EIC

  • Sagemoon June 27, 2014 at 8:33 am

    For Dalene’s son: I am so sorry to hear of this. Blessings for you.

  • Mean momma June 27, 2014 at 3:53 pm

    I guess it is because I saw her obituary shortly after the incident.

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