The Curry County Sheriff’s Office said a pedestrian lost his life Thursday night in an accident at Curry Road L north of Curry Road 15.
CCSO said Merle Watson, 55, of Clovis was walking north along Curry Road L which is a dirt road.
Two vehicles were going north. The first driver was able to see Watson, but the first vehicle kicked up dust. The second driver did not see Watson in time because of the dust.
Watson was taken to Plains Regional Medical Center where he later died.
The following is a statement from CCSO:
On August 9, 2018, at 3:20 PM, Curry County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to Curry Road L, north of Curry Road 15 for a crash involving a pedestrian who had been struck by a vehicle.
The investigation determined that the pedestrian, Merle Watson (55, Clovis) was walking north on the west side of Curry Road L, which is a dirt road. Kade Duarte (23, Clovis) was traveling north on Curry Road L, driving a 2015 Ford pickup, and following another vehicle, driven by Lawrence Robles.
Robles reported that after he passed Watson, he saw him walking toward the east side of the road. Duarte reported that, due to the dust created by Robles’ vehicle, he did not see Watson in the road in time to avoid the collision. Duarte’s vehicle struck Watson and then overturned as a result of his attempted evasive action.
Watson was transported to Plains Regional Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries a short time later.
Duarte was not injured.