Chaves County, NM – On July 21, 2024, at around 6:45 p.m., the New Mexico State Police investigated a crash involving a 2006 Pontiac Solstice and a 2016 Toyota Highlander at the intersection of U.S. Highway 285 and East Darby Road near Dexter, NM.

The initial investigation indicates that a 2006 Pontiac Solstice, driven by a 16-year-old female from Dexter, was traveling east on Darby with passenger Angela Andrews, 18, also of Dexter. The Pontiac stopped at the stop sign at Dexter and U.S. 285. For unknown reasons, the Pontiac proceeded to cross U.S. 285 before it was safe to do so and was struck by a northbound 2016 Toyota Highlander.

Angela Andrews, and the 16-year-old driver, were both severely injured and had to be extricated from the vehicle. After extrication, they were both airlifted to an El Paso hospital, where Andrews was pronounced deceased. The extent of the driver’s injuries and her current condition are not known. The 32-year-old male driver of the Toyota, along with his 33-year-old female passenger and 5-year-old male passenger, all of Artesia, were injured and ground transported to an area hospital. The extent of their injuries and current conditions are not known.Seatbelts appear to have been properly used in this crash, which the New Mexico State Police are investigating.