Posted on May 15, 2023

Driver killed, passenger injured in crash on Roswell Relief Route

ROSWELL, NM - One person was killed and another injured in a single-vehicle crash in Chaves County last week, according to the New Mexico State Police.

The NMSP's initial investigation found that a man was driving a 2004 Honda Civic on the Roswell Relief Route May 8 at about 3:15 p.m. when the Honda went off the roadway at milepost 4.  The car traveled across southbound lanes and crashed into a concrete barrier.

The driver, identified as 42-year-old Carl Vansteenburg of Dandridge, Tennessee, was pronounced dead at the scene.  A 63-year-old passenger was transported to an area hospital with undisclosed injuries.

State Police are investigating the accident, and said that speed and alcohol appeared to be contributing factors.  The NMSP added that neither person was wearing a seat belt.