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.

 

 

 

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