Authorities told the paper Cox had just entered the southbound I-29 on ramp off I-480 in a 2006 Mazda 3 when she lost control of the vehicle and made contact with the right hand curb. The vehicle left the roadway, entered the grassy portion off the right hand of the interstate, and continued down the hill. The car rolled and hit a tree and a fence at the bottom of the hill before coming to rest.

Cox, who was trapped in the car, was extricated by mechanical means. She suffered a broken neck and lacerations, and was transported by Council Bluffs Rescue the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, where officials were unable to release information on her condition. Long  was able to get out of the wreck on his own. He complained of back pain and was transported by Council Bluffs Rescue to Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital for treatment. Both occupants of the vehicle were wearing seat belts.

Authorities arrested Cox on suspicion of operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol-first offense and failure to maintain control of a motor vehicle.