The initial investigation indicated a 2006 Toyota Scion, was traveling north on US 550 near milepost 172. The driver made a U-turn at the intersection of US 550 and County Road 2105 when the vehicle was struck from behind by a 2018 Kia Soul that was traveling south on US 550.
From NM State Police:
Thursday, July 18, 2019
On July 17, 2019, at approximately 8:55 a.m., the New Mexico State Police investigated a fatal crash on US 550 near milepost 172, north of Aztec, NM.
The initial investigation indicated a 2006 Toyota Scion, was traveling north on US 550 near milepost 172. The driver made a U-turn at the intersection of US 550 and County Road 2105 when the vehicle was struck from behind by a 2018 Kia Soul that was traveling south on US 550.
The Toyota was driven by Amy Huaman (47) of Aztec, NM sustained fatal injuries in the crash. Huaman was pronounced deceased by the Office of the Medical Investigator.
There was one other passenger in the Toyota, a 54-year-old female. She was airlifted to an area hospital for injuries not believed to be life-threatening. The driver of the Kia was a 23-year-old male. He did not have any injuries and was treated by emergency medical personnel on scene. The name of the injured passenger and driver of the Kia will not be released by New Mexico State Police.
Alcohol does not appear to be a factor and seatbelts appear to have been properly utilized. The New Mexico State Police Crash Reconstruction Unit was called to assist with the crash investigation. No additional information is available at this time.
Editor's note: The Aztec School district has confirmed that English Teacher Dr. Cynthia Mortensen was severely injured in the crash.
For 15 years, Lauren Laws has dedicated her career to Aztec Schools, beginning as a Special Education teacher in 2008. In 2010 she transitioned to General Education, where she spent six years in the classroom working with 4th and 5th graders at Park Avenue Elementary while completing work on her Master's Degree. During her tenure at Park Avenue Elementary, she also served a Lead Teacher, Assistant Principal, and Principal. Lauren has spent the past three years serving as the Associate Superintendent of Teaching and Learning for the district.
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