Lea County, NM – On August 21, 2019 at about 12:51 p.m., the New Mexico State Police investigated a fatal crash on NM Highway 176, near mile post 39, west of Eunice, NM. 

The initial investigation shows a 2018 Dodge, driven by Erik Navarrette (20) of Carlsbad, NM was traveling west on NM Highway 176.  For unknown reasons the Dodge crossed over the center line into eastbound traffic and collided head-on into a 2017 Ford that was traveling east. The driver of the Dodge, Navarrette was transported to a hospital where he succumbed to injuries sustained. He was pronounced deceased by a doctor at the hospital. A 24-year-old passenger in the Dodge sustained injuries believed to be non-life threatening and was transported to the hospital. 

The driver of the Ford, a 19-year-old from Andrews, Texas also sustained injuries believed to be non-life threatening and was transported to a hospital.

Alcohol does not appear to be a factor and seatbelts appear to have been properly utilized. No additional information is available.