Posted on Apr 05, 2023

News: Man driving UTV dies following accident in Hatch

HATCH, NM - Police in Hatch said a man was killed in an accident involving a utility terrain vehicle last week, KFOX reports.

Police and first responders were dispatched to the scene in the area of Highway 26 and Airport Road on Wednesday at about 3 p.m.

They found that a UTV side-by-side had overturned and a man was trapped underneath it.  The victim, identified as Timoteo Lopez Casas, was pronounced dead at the scene. 

Further investigation determined that the driver of the UTV had been going at a high rate of speed and fishtailing prior to the crash.  While trying to negotiate a turn, the vehicle went sideways, struck a raised portion in the road, and flipped. 

Investigators believe the driver, Mario Josue Carrasco, had been driving recklessly and he was subsequently arrested and charged with homicide by vehicle.