Accident victim identified as Black River woman

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Department on Monday afternoon identified the person killed in an accident late Sunday afternoon on Interstate 81 as Eleanor F. Stevens, 89, Black River.

The victim, as well as her daughter, Debra A. Baker, 47, Watertown, and Mrs. Baker's daughter, Amanda M., 16, were riding in a northbound 2004 Ford Explorer, which overturned. Mrs. Stevens was ejected from the Explorer and was killed, according to the sheriff's office. Amanda Baker, a rear seat passenger, was treated at Samaritan Medical Center and released.

The driver, Debra Baker, was flown by Mercy Flight helicopter to Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, where she was listed Monday afternoon in good condition.

The second motorist in the 5:10 p.m. accident in the town of Ellisburg is listed as Joseph A. Canaan, 29, Gouverneur. He also was treated at the city hospital and released.

The accident occurred when the two vehicles came into contact during a passing maneuver, deputies said.

Sheriff John P. Burns said evidence indicates that Mr. Canaan was in the passing lane, and that the collision occurred in the main driving lane, occupied by the Baker SUV.

"It appears that everything was proper with the Baker vehicle," the sheriff said.

No charges have been filed, he said, but the investigation is continuing.

The Sheriff's Department's accident reconstruction team was assisted at the scene Sunday night by the Mannsville and Sandy Creek fire departments, as well as South Jefferson Rescue Squad. The highway was closed until 10:30 p.m.

Mrs. Stevens is formerly of Rochester.