2 Killed in LaPlata Highway Head-On Crash

The initial investigation indicated a 2009 Dodge Journey SUV, driven by Tanisha Friend (30) of La Plata, NM was traveling south on NM Highway 170. For unknown reasons the Dodge crossed over the center line into oncoming traffic of the northbound lane and collided head-on into a northbound 2014 Chevrolet Silverado pickup. After the crash, the Chevrolet rolled.

From New Mexico State Police

Monday, June 21, 2021

On June 18, 2021, at approximately 5:56 p.m., the New Mexico State Police investigated a fatal head-on crash on NM Highway 170 near milepost 13, north of Farmington, NM.  

The initial investigation indicated a 2009 Dodge Journey SUV, driven by Tanisha Friend (30) of La Plata, NM was traveling south on NM Highway 170. For unknown reasons the Dodge crossed over the center line into oncoming traffic of the northbound lane and collided head-on into a northbound 2014 Chevrolet Silverado pickup. After the crash, the Chevrolet rolled. The driver of the Dodge, Friend was transported by emergency personnel to the San Juan Regional Medical Center in Farmington, NM. Friend succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased at the hospital. 

The driver of the Chevrolet, a 29-year-old female along with two child passengers, ages 9 and 2, all sustained unknown injuries in the crash. They were transported by emergency personnel to an area hospital. One other passenger in the Chevrolet, Edwin Yazzie (32) of Church Rock, NM sustained fatal injuries in the crash. He was pronounced deceased on scene by the Office of Medical Investigator.  

Alcohol does not appear to be a contributing factor in the crash and seatbelts were not properly used by all occupants in both vehicles. For the privacy of the family, the name of the driver and children in the Chevrolet will not be released. This crash remains under investigation by the New Mexico State Police.