The following is a news release from the New Mexico State Police:
On March 1, 2018 around 10:00 p.m., New Mexico State Police officers investigated a fatal crash which occurred on NM State Road 128 in Lea County.
The preliminary investigation indicates a Chevrolet pickup was traveling eastbound on NM 128. Witnesses later stated they observed the pickup weaving across the roadway for miles and unable to maintain its lane. At mile marker 23, the pickup crossed into oncoming westbound traffic and struck a Ford pickup traveling westbound.
The driver of the Chevrolet pickup, identified as Benjamin Wayne Richey, 36, of Bryan, Texas, sustained fatal injuries in the collision and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Ford pickup sustained non-life threatening injuries and was transported by EMS from the scene. Officers believe Mr. Richey was impaired at the time of the crash. This crash remains under investigation.
(News release from the New Mexico State Police)
