The following is a news release from New Mexico State Police:
On January 21, 2018 at around 12:30 a.m. the New Mexico State Police investigated a fatal crash involving a 2009 Chevy Silverado on 17th Street and Avenue R in Lovington.
The initial investigation indicated the Chevy was traveling south on 17th Street at a high rate of speed. The driver failed to negotiate the curve onto Avenue R and drove of the right shoulder. After the Chevy left the roadway it rolled several times. The driver of the Chevy, Juan Pinto (44) of Hobbs, who was not wearing his seatbelt was ejected from the vehicle and sustained fatal injuries. Mr. Pinto was pronounced deceased while en route to the hospital.
The passenger who was also not wearing her seatbelt was ejected from the vehicle and sustained injuries not believed to be life threatening. Alcohol is believed to be a contributing factor in the crash. This case remains under investigation and no further information is available at this time.
(News release from New Mexico State Police)
