Posted on Mar 16, 2023

News: Motorcycle passenger dies after collision on US 54 in Otero County

OTERO COUNTY, NM - A motorcycle passenger was killed in an accident in Otero County Monday afternoon, KTSM reports.

The incident happened on U.S. 54 near Tularosa, where New Mexico State Police responded to the scene at about 3 p.m.  An investigation determined that the driver of a pickup truck heading south on U.S. 54 drifted from their lane and struck the southbound motorcycle.

A passenger on the motorcycle was pronounced dead at the scene.  She was identified as 68-year-old Susan DeForest of Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  Both occupants of the motorcycle were reported to have been wearing helmets at the time.

NMSP is investigating the crash, and said alcohol does not appear to have been a contributing factor.