Alcohol & Texting May Have Caused Fatal 550 Crash

Tuesday, December 15, 2015 at 12:00 AM

Witnesses at the crash indicate Mr. Shorty was traveling at a high rate of speed and may have been texting. Investigating officers located his cell phone on scene, which had a partially completed text typed out but had not been sent. Officers believe Mr. Shorty was also intoxicated and alcohol is believed to have been a factor in this crash.

From NM State Police:

On Monday, December 14, 2015 around 3:00 p.m., New Mexico State Police officers responded to a single-vehicle rollover crash at milepost 146 on US 550, south of Bloomfield.

The preliminary investigation indicated a Pontiac passenger car traveling north on US 550 drove into the median area, over-corrected, and drove back into the northbound lanes of traffic before striking a guardrail and rolling onto its side. The driver, identified as Christian Shorty (22) from Farmington, was not wearing his seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

An adult female passenger, identified as Lynell Begay of Farmington, sustained severe injuries but is in stable condition. She was wearing her seatbelt. The third occupant of the vehicle, a three year old male identified as Kyler Nez, was seated in the back seat with only a lap belt. He was uninjured in the crash.

This crash is still under investigation and no further details are available.

More from Local News

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.
NM Rep. Joseph Hernandez Ends Re-Election Campaign

In his statement, Hernandez says, "At this time, I believe the best decision for me and those I love is to focus on my health and my family, while continuing to serve the community that entrusted me with this office through the remainder of my term."
Suspect Arrested after Sexual Assault

During the investigation, officers learned that a male and female who knew each other had been in the area of the disc golf course. Neither individual was a student or staff member of San Juan College. The female victim reported that an altercation occurred between her and the male, Tyson Saggboy. She reported that Saggboy battered her, removed her clothing, and strangled her before fleeing the scene.
Ground Broken for new STEAM Education Building at Navajo Prep

The new Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) Facility will provide expanded space for Navajo Prep’s International Baccalaureate program and career-focused pathways.
Farmington Man Sentenced on Child Porn Conviction

Earlier this week, Jacob Marriott was sentenced after pleading guilty to 4 counts of Manufacturing of Child Pornography (2nd Degree Felony), 1 count of Possession of Child Pornography (4th Degree Felony), and 2 counts of Voyeurism of a Child Under 18 (3rd Degree Felony).