Farmington Motorcycle Rider Killed after Striking Deer on US 550

The initial investigation indicated a 1990 Harley Davidson Motorcycle, driven by Ronald Martinez (59) of Farmington, NM, was traveling north in the left lane on U.S. Route 550 when his motorcycle struck a deer that had ran across the roadway.

From NM State Police

Monday, May 11, 2020

On May 10, 2020 at about 9:02 p.m., the New Mexico State Police investigated a fatal motorcycle crash on U.S. Route 550, near mile post 104, by Counselor, NM. 

 

The initial investigation indicated a 1990 Harley Davidson Motorcycle, driven by Ronald Martinez (59) of Farmington, NM, was traveling north in the left lane on U.S. Route 550 when his motorcycle struck a deer that had ran across the roadway.  Martinez who was wearing a helmet, was ejected from the motorcycle.  Martinez sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased on scene by the Office of Medical Investigator.

 

Alcohol does not appear to have been a contributing factor in the crash.  No additional information is available. 

More from Local News

  • Kirtland Man Charged with Woman's Killing

    On Monday, 11/9/2026, San Juan County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a welfare check on Lovina Carpenter after a relative was worried she hadn’t heard from Ms. Carpenter since Saturday 11/7/2026. When deputies arrived on scene, they discovered Ms. Carpenter deceased in a shed on the property.

  • Floods Impact SW Colorado Highways

    Recent flooding washed out roads and a bridge, causing full closures on common routes and significant repair delays along key corridors.

  • 2026 Mid-term Election results

    Results from the contested races in San Juan County, NM, in the 2026 midterm elections held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. These results are considered unofficial until certified by the San Juan County canvassing board.

  • Gov. to Visit Flood-Stricken San Juan County

    The governor’s visit was carefully scheduled to give first responders, law enforcement and emergency vehicles ample time to complete rescues and other emergency work during the flooding. Now that the floodwaters are receding and initial damage assessments are underway, the Governor will survey the disaster zone and work to get families the help they need. 

  • National Guard, State Police carry out rescues as historic flooding hits San Juan County

    New Mexico Governor Lujan Grisham preparing request for federal disaster declaration

  • Woman's Husband Arrested for Kirtland Killing

    Through the course of the investigation, detectives discovered that Lauren Patterson’s husband, Jess Patterson, had previously resided in California and had been arrested at least 6 times for domestic violence in that state and had been arrested in July 2026 in New Mexico for battering Ms. Patterson. An autopsy revealed Ms. Patterson suffered multiple broken bones, bruising, and internal injuries.

KSJE Radio App

Get the KSJE Radio App

  • Available on the App Store
  • Available on Google Play

Today's Weather

  • Farmington, NM

    Heavy rain shower

    High: 63°F | Low: 43°F

  • Durango, CO

    Sunny intervals

    High: 55°F | Low: 37°F

  • Shiprock, NM

    Heavy rain shower

    High: 64°F | Low: 45°F

  • Cortez, CO

    Sunny intervals

    High: 61°F | Low: 41°F

  • Santa Fe, NM

    Heavy rain shower

    High: 57°F | Low: 39°F