By Roger Lanse

On Sunday, Jan. 24, at approximately 8 p.m. New Mexico State Police officers responded to a fatal vehicle crash on State Road 198 - MM 2, southeast of Deming.

According to a press release, the initial investigation revealed that James Laney, 38, of Shady Point, Oklahoma, was northbound when he lost control, slid off the west side of the road and overturned several times down a steep embankment.

Laney was not wearing a seatbelt, the release stated, was ejected and sustained fatal injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

A passenger, Latrisha Laney, also 38, of Deming, sustained minor injuries.

The incident is still under investigation.