Columbus, NM - Around 8:30 last night, New Mexico State Police officers investigated a single-vehicle fatal crash which occurred on San Diego Road in Columbus, NM.

The initial investigation indicated a Ford pickup was traveling at a high rate of speed on San Diego Road when the vehicle lost control and rolled onto the west shoulder of the roadway. Neither the driver nor the passenger were wearing seatbelts. The driver, a fifteen year old female, was injured and transported to Deming for medical treatment. The passenger, identified as Joel Horning Newswanger (twelve years of age), was ejected from the vehicle and sustained fatal injuries in the crash. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Alcohol is not believed to have been a factor in this crash. This crash remains under investigation.