UI dean took a wrong turn, drove into Dworshak Reservoir, Sheriff’s Office says

A University of Idaho dean took a wrong turn on an unfamiliar road and ended up driving down a boat ramp into the Dworshak Reservoir, where he drowned, according to the Clearwater County Sheriff’s Office.

In a news release Tuesday, the Sheriff’s Office said a group of fishermen noticed Paul Joyce’s submerged car at the boat ramp at about 6:30 a.m. Saturday, but the Sheriff’s Office wasn’t notified until 5:20 p.m. that day.

Joyce, who was dean of the College of Science at UI, had left High Country Inn near Ahsahka at about 10:30 p.m. Friday and was heading to Orofino to spend the night at a hotel, the release said.

“Mr. Joyce was not familiar with the area and was given directions on how to get to Orofino,” it said. “When he reached the intersection of the Old Ahsahka Grade and View Point Road he turned left instead of right and was traveling toward the Big Eddy Marina and boat ramp.” Joyce’s body was found inside the vehicle.

The Sheriff’s Office is awaiting toxicology reports to complete the investigation, the release said.