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.
The governor’s visit was carefully scheduled to give first responders, law enforcement and emergency vehicles ample time to complete rescues and other emergency work during the flooding. Now that the floodwaters are receding and initial damage assessments are underway, the Governor will survey the disaster zone and work to get families the help they need.
Bloomfield Residents and businesses: please minimize water use until further notice. Postpone laundry and dishwasher use, keep showers brief, and reduce toilet flushing when practical and sanitary. Every reduction helps limit wastewater entering the river.
The district has worked with the Lower Valley Water Users Association on the testing needed to lift the boil water notice. Because of the number of tests required, the district has decided to keep students on remote learning as a precaution for their well-being. If test results come back early, the district must still follow processes and protocols to flush and clear the water lines at each school before in-person instruction can resume. Safety is our top priority for the well-being of our Kirtland students.
Water Samples taken from the Lower Valley Water Association system have tested negative for e-coli. The Boil Water notice has been lifted for customers.
Through the course of the investigation, detectives discovered that Lauren Patterson’s husband, Jess Patterson, had previously resided in California and had been arrested at least 6 times for domestic violence in that state and had been arrested in July 2026 in New Mexico for battering Ms. Patterson. An autopsy revealed Ms. Patterson suffered multiple broken bones, bruising, and internal injuries.
Gov. to Visit Flood-Stricken San Juan County
National Guard, State Police carry out rescues as historic flooding hits San Juan County
Bloomfield: Wastewater Emergency
Kirtland Students on Remote Learning thru Thursday
*UPDATE* Boil Water Advisory Lifted for Lower Valley Water Users
Woman's Husband Arrested for Kirtland Killing
