Investigation of local woman's death shows no foul play

Investigators and deputies from the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff's Office Investigated a death at a residence in the Sleep Hollow Trailer Park July 17 that was initially believed to be have been suspicious.

A woman dropping off a new washing machine for the home reportedly found Dorthy Gonzalez unresponsive after breaking into the home to check on her when she got no response at the door.

Members of the Lincoln Volunteer Ambulance responded and found that Gonzalez was deceased.

Sheriff/Coroner Leo Dutton said the initial appearance of her death gave them cause for concern. Her body was sent to the Montana State Crime Lab in Missoula for an autopsy and a team of crime scene investigators throughly processed the scene.

Dutton confirmed the autopsy, completed Saturday, July 18, indicated she had died of natural causes. He said there was no foul play associated with the cause and manner of Gonzales's death.

Gonzalez, who lived in Lincoln for over a year, was the mother of Lincoln's resident deputy, Senior Deputy Robert Rivera.

Dutton said the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff's office extends their sincere condolences to the Rivera family for their loss.

Rivera, who took to Facebook to express his gratitude for the who have offered their support, noted his mother passed away from a stroke, and likewise re-assured the community and his family that her death wasn't suspicious.