Two Killed in Head-On Crash near Navajo Dam

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

 

 

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.

Today's Weather

  • Farmington, NM

    Sunny intervals

    High: 55°F | Low: 23°F

  • Durango, CO

    Sunny intervals

    High: 52°F | Low: 16°F

  • Shiprock, NM

    Sunny intervals

    High: 59°F | Low: 27°F

  • Cortez, CO

    Sunny intervals

    High: 55°F | Low: 23°F

  • Santa Fe, NM

    Sunny intervals

    High: 54°F | Low: 28°F