2 Killed in Crash at Navajo Dam

The initial investigation indicated that a 2003 Subaru, driven by Rachel Kahwajy (31) of Farmington, NM was traveling on NM 539, approaching a tight curve. For reasons still under investigation, Ms. Kahwajy failed to negotiate the curve, and ended up driving over a cliff. She sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased on the scene by the Office of the Medical Investigator. Glenn Taketa (53) of Farmington, a passenger in the vehicle, was also pronounced deceased on scene.

From NM State Police

Tuesday, June 20, 2023

On June 18, 2023, at around 6:00 p.m., the New Mexico State Police investigated a fatal crash involving a single vehicle on NM 511 and NM 539.

The initial investigation indicated that a 2003 Subaru, driven by Rachel Kahwajy (31) of Farmington, NM was traveling on NM 539, approaching a tight curve. For reasons still under investigation, Ms. Kahwajy failed to negotiate the curve, and ended up driving over a cliff. She sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased on the scene by the Office of the Medical Investigator. Glenn Taketa (53) of Farmington, a passenger in the vehicle, was also pronounced deceased on scene.

This crash is being investigated by the New Mexico State Police.

 

More from Local News

  • Lauren Laws Named Interim Superintendent for Aztec Schools

    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.

  • Durango Picks Brice Current to be New Police Chief

    Brice Current was a former narcotics agent with the San Juan County Sheriff's Office in Aztec, NM. He was hired as Durango's Deputy Police Chief in 2019.

  • Farmington Schools Hires first Armed Campus Safety Monitor

     The FMS Board of Education authorized school security personnel to carry firearms on school premises during their January 9, 2024, meeting. The move paved the way for the hiring of Armed Campus Safety Monitors (ACSMs), former certified law enforcement officers tasked with providing an additional layer of protection for students and staff during emergencies.

  • Candidates Declare their Intent to Run in the June 4, 2024 Primary

    Some returning candidates and also some new names from Tuesday's filing day on March 12, 2024. These candidates have filed their notice to run in the June 4, 2024 Primary. Some candidates are unopposed. The winners in June will face off on November 5, 2024.

On KSJE Now:

Today's Weather

  • Farmington, NM

    Sunny intervals

    High: 73°F | Low: 48°F

  • Durango, CO

    Light rain shower

    High: 72°F | Low: 41°F

  • Shiprock, NM

    Sunny intervals

    High: 79°F | Low: 48°F

  • Cortez, CO

    Sunny intervals

    High: 77°F | Low: 41°F

  • Santa Fe, NM

    Heavy rain shower

    High: 72°F | Low: 46°F