Chaves County, NM - On December 7, 2018 at around 4:00 p.m. the New Mexico State Police investigated a fatal crash on U.S. Highway 285 and Orchard Park Road between Roswell and Dexter.

The initial investigation indicates a 1994 Toyota Four Runner was travelling west on Orchard Park Road. The Toyota crossed U.S. 285 failing to yield the right of way to oncoming traffic. The Toyota was struck on the passenger side by a 1998 Ford Windstar. The passenger of the Ford Windstar, Maxine Peebles (81) of Estes Park, CO was not properly utilizing her seatbelt and suffered fatal injuries in the crash. She was pronounced deceased at an area hospital by the Office of the Medical Investigator. The drivers of both vehicles were transported to an area hospital with injuries not believed to be life threatening.   

Alcohol does not appear to be involved and the drivers were properly seat belted. This crash remains under investigation and no further information is currently available.