Autopsy: RF driver drowned

OREGON - A Rock Falls woman drowned Thursday when her car plunged into the Rock River north of Oregon, an autopsy confirmed Friday. Doris A. Portner-Stern, 72, "did not suffer a medical crisis causing her to go into the river," Winnebago County Coroner Sue Fiduccia said in a news release. Ogle County Sheriff Greg Beitel said investigators still aren't sure why Portner-Stern missed the curve on state Route 2 about 5 miles north of Oregon around 9:15 that morning. A witness in a vehicle behind Portner-Stern told police she didn't appear to be driving erratically and wasn't speeding. Portner-Stern was a Milledge-ville native and a homemaker. Her survivors include a daughter, Wendy Armstrong, and sons Eric, Kent and Rex Portner, all of Rock Falls. Visitation is 9-11 a.m. Monday at McDonald Funeral Home in Rock Falls, followed by her funeral, also at McDonald's.