Eddy County, NM – On July 16, 2022, at approximately 6:37 a.m., the New Mexico State Police responded to a single vehicle fatal crash on West Main Street near Centennial Avenue in Artesia, NM.
The initial investigation indicates a 2001 Dodge Ram pickup, driven by Pete Devon Lara Hernandez (19) of Artesia, NM, was traveling west on Main Street at a high rate of speed. For reasons unknown, the Dodge left the roadway and struck a cinder block fence. Hernandez was ejected from the vehicle and sustained fatal injuries. He was pronounced deceased on scene by the Office of Medical Investigator.
Alcohol does not appear to have been a factor in the crash and seatbelts appear to have not been used. This crash is under investigation by the New Mexico State Police.