Lincoln County, NM– On March 27, 2021 at approximately 6:31 p.m., the New Mexico State Police investigated a fatal crash near Cedar Creek Drive and Mechem Drive, by Ruidoso, NM.
The initial investigation indicated a 2019 Ford pickup, driven by a 24-year-old male from Artesia, NM was traveling north on Cedar Creek Drive. For reasons still under investigation, the Ford left the roadway and struck a tree. The driver sustained unknown injuries and was transported by ambulance to an area hospital.
There were two other passengers in the vehicle at the time of the crash, Andres Azua (24) and another 24-year-old male, both of Artesia, NM. Both passengers sustained unknown injuries and were transported to an area hospital by ambulance. Azua was later transported by Air to a hospital in El Paso, TX where he succumbed to his injuries.
Alcohol does appear to be a contributing factor in the crash. This crash remains under investigation by the New Mexico State Police with the assistance of the New Mexico State Police Crash Reconstruction Unit and Aerial Drone Team.
