Two Killed in Head-On Crash near Navajo Dam

Tuesday, October 31, 2017 at 2:50 PM

The initial investigation indicated the Dodge, driven by Mary Jane Louton (63) of Navajo Dam, was travelling east on State Road 173. The Nissan, driven by Peter Christensen (70) of Farmington, was traveling west on State Road 173. For reasons not yet determined, the Dodge crossed the center line and collided head on with the Nissan. Both Ms. Louton and Mr. Christensen sustained fatal injuries in the collision.

From NM State Police:

On October 30, 2017 at around 6:00 p.m. New Mexico State Police officers responded to a double fatal, head on collision involving a 2013 Dodge Ram truck and a 2006 Nissan Xterra on State Road 173 at approximately mile post 11, west of Navajo Dam.

For reasons not yet determined, the Dodge crossed the center line and collided head on with the Nissan. Both Ms. Louton and Mr. Christensen sustained fatal injuries in the collision.

This case remains under investigation and no further information is available at this time.

More from Local News

Study finds local rail line "feasible," Project moves Forward

In addition, the study finds that reducing truck traffic on major highways is a major benefit to rail, with reduced motor vehicle crashes and reduced wear and tear to roadways. The next phase of this project is already funded by a $4 million Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement (CRISI) Grant and $1 million match from the New Mexico Match Fund.
New Farmington Temple Prepares for Public Open House

The public is invited to tour the Farmington Temple from Thursday, July 17, through Saturday, August 2, 2025, excluding Sundays.
SJRMC & San Juan College agree to expand Nursing Program

Full-time nursing faculty members will receive a $10,000 annual stipend on top of their base salary to enhance the program’s capacity. In addition, students will have an opportunity to enter into an agreement with SJRMC to receive a substantial $4,800 living stipend per semester,
Man Arrested for Fruitland Murder

Following verbal arguments at the house of Adrian Begay (age 45), De Andre Julian (age 23) left with his girlfriend, Adrian Begay’s daughter, Adriana Begay (age 21) to a nearby residence. Adrian Begay followed them to the exterior of the residence when De Andre Julian produced a handgun and shot Adrian Begay multiple times in the chest at close range.
Feds Indict Shiprock Father & Son for Illegal Marijuana Farms in NM

The charges include conspiracy to manufacture and distribute marijuana, manufacture of 1,000 kilograms and more of marijuana and 1,000 and more marijuana plants, possession with intent to distribute 1,000 kilograms and more of marijuana and 1,000 and more marijuana plants, maintaining drug-involved premises, and two counts of knowingly discharging pollutants into waters of the United States without a permit.
2024 Election: San Juan County Contested Races

These are the unofficial election results from voting on Tuesday, November 5, 2024 of the contested races in San Juan County, NM.