Santa Fe, NM – On August 20, 2023, at around 2:00 p.m., the New Mexico State Police investigated a fatal crash involving 3 vehicles on US 285 north of Clines Corners.
The initial investigation indicated that a 2015 Lexus passenger vehicle, was traveling southbound on US 285 near mile marker 259. For reasons still under investigation, the Lexus attempted to pass a vehicle in front of it. While passing the vehicle in the northbound lane, the Lexus impacted a 2020 Ford F150 pickup truck that was traveling northbound head-on.
A 2021 Toyota passenger vehicle was traveling northbound behind the Ford truck and was also involved in the accident. Leticia Lancaster-Valois (66) of Oklahoma City, a passenger in the Lexus, was pronounced deceased on the scene by the Office of the Medical Investigator. All other drivers and passengers involved in the crash were transported to an area hospital. Their conditions are unknown.
Seatbelts were properly utilized, and alcohol was not a determining factor in this crash.
This crash is being investigated by the New Mexico State Police.
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