2 Dead in Christmas Eve Crash, Alcohol Suspected

Sunday, December 24, 2017 at 4:04 PM

The driver of the Buick Mr. Dannon Jim (34), and the right rear passenger Shynoah Jim (11) both from Tsaile, AZ sustained fatal injuries during the crash, and were pronounced deceased at the scene by the Office of the Medical Investigator. The other two occupants of the Buick, also family members, were transported to San Juan Regional Medical Center, and subsequently flown to University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque, NM with critical injuries.

From NM State Police:

Early this morning around 1:46 a.m. New Mexico State Police were notified of a crash near the intersection of US 64 milepost 42 and County Road 6500 in Kirtland, NM. The crash involved a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) and a sport utility vehicle with multiple occupants.

Officers arrived on scene and learned that the 2018 Kenworth CMV was approaching a red light at the intersection and had begun to slow. The CMV was struck from behind by a 2016 Buick Sport utility vehicle traveling west, in the same direction. Indicators at the scene show no signs of skid marks or braking prior to the impact.

The other two occupants of the Buick, also family members, were transported to San Juan Regional Medical Center, and subsequently flown to University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque, NM with critical injuries.

The driver and co-driver of the Commercial Motor Vehicle were not injured in the crash.

Alcohol does appear to be a factor in this crash which is still under investigation.

There is no further information available at this time.

More from Local News

APS Extends Life of Four Corners Power Plant

Arizona Public Service (APS) has announced it's decision to extend the operation of the Four Corners Power Plant (FCPP) beyond 2031. Navajo Transitional Energy Company's Navajo Mine provides the necessary coal for the operation of the plant and is positioned to meet the needs of FCPP well into the future.
KSJE to Livestream Balloon Rally Ascensions

For those unable to attend in person, KSJE will provide expansive live event coverage. Spectators can tune into KSJE’s live morning launch streaming broadcasts on Facebook and YouTube, bringing the excitement of the mass ascensions directly to viewers across the Four Corners region.
Three Die in Newcomb area Flood

Two adults and a juvenile were found to have drowned and were pronounced deceased. The incident remains under investigation.
Assault Suspect Fatally Shot in Kirtland

Deputies made multiple commands to stop and drop the knife, however, the suspect ignored the commands and continued moving towards the deputies with the knife. A deputy discharged his sidearm, striking the suspect. Immediate life-saving aid was rendered to the suspect, but he ultimately died at the scene. The Farmington Police Department is leading the investigation.
Former Dallas Cowboy Shiyazh Pete visits Alma Mater: Shiprock High School

Shiyazh Pete went on from Shiprock High to play college football at New Mexico State University and the University of Kentucky before signing and training with the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent. He returned to Shiprock High School to share what he learned along the way and to encourage Chieftain students and athletes as they begin a new season.
Judge: SunRay Can't Move Horse Racing & Casino to Clovis

In February, San Juan County Commissioners voted to seek judicial review of the New Mexico Racing Commission’s decision to authorize Western Gaming to move its racing license to Clovis, NM. The Racing Commission’s decision, at the request of Western Gaming, would have ended San Juan County’s long heritage of horse racing at a county-owned facility.

On KSJE Now:

Classical Carousel
Midnight - 7:00am
With Heart and Voice
7:00am - 8:00am

Sacred music that spans the full range of Western classical music, with occasional surprises from the non-western tradition.
Millennium of Music
8:00am - 9:00am