Aztec Man, 2 year old, both killed in Thursday Crash

The initial investigation indicated a white Dodge pick-up, driven by Charles Lane, 64, of Aztec, NM., was travelling northbound on U.S. Highway-491, near milepost 34.  For unknown Reasons, Mr. Lane’s vehicle left the roadway and crashed into the rear of a commercial motor vehicle (CMV), that was parked on the shoulder, due to mechanical issues.

From NM State Police

Saturday, October 21, 2023

On October 19, 2023, at about 6:00 p.m. The New Mexico State Police investigated a double fatal, two vehicle crash that occurred on U.S. Highway 491 in McKinley County.

The initial investigation indicated a white Dodge pick-up, driven by Charles Lane, 64, of Aztec, NM., was travelling northbound on U.S. Highway-491, near milepost 34.  For unknown Reasons, Mr. Lane’s vehicle left the roadway and crashed into the rear of a commercial motor vehicle (CMV), that was parked on the shoulder, due to mechanical issues.

There was a two-year-old passenger in the Dodge pick-up, who sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased on scene by the Office of the Medical Investigator. Mr. Lane was transported to a hospital in Albuquerque, where he succumbed to his injuries.

There were two occupants in the parked CMV, who did not sustain injuries.

Alcohol does not appear to be a contributing factor.

 

The New Mexico State Police are investigating the crash.

 

More from Local News

  • Police Arrest Woman for Husband's Fatal Stabbing 5 years ago

    After a thorough and ongoing investigation by detectives and working with the district attorney's office, a thorough review of the case was conducted, and the decision to proceed with criminal charges was made. A warrant was issued to charge Heather Fernandez-Hoefer. She was taken into custody without incident on April 1, 2025.

  • Update: Arrest Made in Fatal Shooting

    Upon arrival, deputies made contact with multiple individuals including juveniles and young adults and located a deceased individual identified as Samuell Tariq Liggins, age 20.

  • Suspect Arrested in Farmington Murder Case

    Following an extensive investigation by Farmington Police Department detectives, an arrest warrant was issued for 40-year-old Matthew Sandoval, who is known to have a family connection to Madrid, who has been charged with 1st Degree Murder and Tampering with Evidence. On March 28, Sandoval was located by U.S. Marshals in the 400 block of W. Animas. Farmington Police officers responded and arrested Sandoval on the outstanding warrant.

  • Farmington Temple Opens this Summer

    Invited guests will tour the temple, the afternoon of July 14, and all day on July 15 and 16, 2025. A public open house will run from July 17 to August 2, 2025, excluding Sundays.

  • Police: Farmington Child Abuse Suspect Killed in Home

    Video

    Officers canvassed the area for the suspect; however, investigators believe the individual left the area prior to police arrival. The Farmington Police Department is releasing a video of a person of interest. The video shows a male on a bicycle headed east on Navajo Street towards Lincoln Avenue. The Farmington Police Department urges anyone with information or video surveillance from the area to contact detectives at 505-599-1068.

  • College Opens new Student Health Center

    The $2.2 million Student Health Center spans 2,652 square feet and is designed to provide accessible healthcare services on campus. The center features two exam rooms, three offices for medical and behavioral health professionals, restrooms, storage areas, and additional support spaces.

On KSJE Now:

Today's Weather

  • Farmington, NM

    Heavy rain shower

    High: 52°F | Low: 32°F

  • Durango, CO

    Sunny intervals

    High: 45°F | Low: 27°F

  • Shiprock, NM

    Heavy rain shower

    High: 52°F | Low: 34°F

  • Cortez, CO

    Sunny intervals

    High: 50°F | Low: 28°F

  • Santa Fe, NM

    Sunny intervals

    High: 48°F | Low: 28°F