Two Bicyclists Killed on N36 in alleged DWI Crash

The Sheriff's Office Traffic Reconstruction Team responded to conduct the investigation into the fatal crash. Two persons on bicycles (an adult male and an adult female) were struck by a 2006 Ford Ranger driven by Jaron Todecheeny of Aztec, NM. Both bicyclists died at the scene.

From the San Juan County Sheriff's Office

Saturday, April 26, 2025

On Saturday April 26th, 2025, at 1:48 am, Deputies with the San Juan County Sheriff's Office were dispatched to a fatal crash near the 27 mile marker on Navajo Route 36 in San Juan County.

.The Sheriff's Office Traffic Reconstruction Team responded to conduct the investigation into the fatal crash. Two persons on bicycles (an adult male and an adult female) were struck by a 2006 Ford Ranger driven by Jaron Todacheeny of Aztec, NM. Both bicyclists died at the scene.

The bicyclists were later identified as Cody Newton, 34, and Francis Matias, 54. Next of kin has been notified.

.The on-scene investigation determined Jaron Todecheeny was under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested for Homicide by Motor Vehicle-DWI and other traffic related charges and booked into the San Juan County Adult Detention Center in Farmington, NM.

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