On December 9, 2016 around 5:00 p.m. New Mexico State Police investigated a fatal vehicle crash on US 70 at mile marker 345 in Chaves County.
The initial investigation indicated a vehicle traveling westbound on US 70 near mile marker 345 exited the highway and struck the guardrail causing the vehicle to roll. The driver, Jean Harberts (59) of Portales, NM, sustained fatal injuries in the crash and was pronounced deceased on scene.
The driver was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash and alcohol is not believed to have been a factor in the crash.
(News release from the New Mexico State Police)