Aztec Man, 2 year old, both killed in Thursday Crash

Sunday, October 22, 2023 at 10:40 AM

The initial investigation indicated a white Dodge pick-up, driven by Charles Lane, 64, of Aztec, NM., was travelling northbound on U.S. Highway-491, near milepost 34. For unknown Reasons, Mr. Lane’s vehicle left the roadway and crashed into the rear of a commercial motor vehicle (CMV), that was parked on the shoulder, due to mechanical issues.

From NM State Police

Saturday, October 21, 2023

On October 19, 2023, at about 6:00 p.m. The New Mexico State Police investigated a double fatal, two vehicle crash that occurred on U.S. Highway 491 in McKinley County.

There was a two-year-old passenger in the Dodge pick-up, who sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased on scene by the Office of the Medical Investigator. Mr. Lane was transported to a hospital in Albuquerque, where he succumbed to his injuries.

There were two occupants in the parked CMV, who did not sustain injuries.

Alcohol does not appear to be a contributing factor.

The New Mexico State Police are investigating the crash.

More from Local News

Navajo Nation agrees (again) to help fund N-36/NM 371 Intersection Improvements

The agreement authorizes NDOT to transfer $2,790,647 to NMDOT to administer procurement and construction of the NM371/N36 Intersection Improvement Project. This long-needed project will include roadway widening and the installation of a traffic signal and lighting system designed to reduce accidents, improve traffic flow, and enhance overall public safety for residents, school buses, emergency responders, and travelers who rely on this heavily used corridor.
Racing Commission Approves SunRay Move to Clovis

The move will not affect the 2026 racing season in San Juan County. Live racing is scheduled for April 17 – May 24, 2026. San Juan County has previously said that McGee Park and the San Juan County Fairgrounds would not be impacted by any changes at the casino and horse racing track.
*Update* Arrest Made in Child's Death

The suspect, John Hannon, the child’s father, was arrested on 2/9/26 on unrelated charges. He was served with the following charges while at the San Juan County Adult Detention Center:
90 Dogs Rescued in Bloomfield

The rescue effort also received substantial financial support, from various donors. This outside support significantly reduced the financial impact on local resources and ensured the operation did not place a major burden on San Juan County taxpayers.
Resident Dies after House Fire N. of Aztec

Crews arrived to find a structure on fire and the occupant inside. Despite a quick response from fire crews and efforts by San Juan County Sheriff’s Deputies, one occupant was removed from the structure by firefighters and transported to the hospital by San Juan Regional Medical Center EMS. The occupant was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Diné College Selects New President

Dr. Jackson-Dennison, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation (Diné), brings nearly four decades of experience in educational leadership, with a career dedicated to advancing Indigenous sovereignty, self-determination, and academic excellence. Her leadership reflects a unique ability to integrate Indigenous knowledge systems with Western academic frameworks, a hallmark of her scholarship and professional practice.