CURRY COUNTY, NM - A New Mexico Department of Transportation employee was fatally struck by a vehicle in Curry County last week, authorities said.
According to a news release from New Mexico State Police, the accident happened Thursday morning on State Road 209 near milepost 6 north of Clovis. State Police said the worker, 58-year-old Gerald R. Woodard, was providing traffic control for a crash involving a semi-tractor trailer and a passenger vehicle.
An investigation found that NMDOT was using cones, NMDOT trucks with flashing red and blue lights, and flags around the crash scene. A 69-year-old man driving a 2014 Dodge Ram failed to follow the traffic pattern and collided with a 2020 NMDOT Ford pickup, police said. Woodard was in the bed area of the truck at the time of the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the Dodge was rushed from the scene in critical condition and later airlifted to a Lubbock hospital.
“The New Mexico State Police is saddened by the loss of Gerald Woodard, who was a dedicated member of the NMDOT family. NMDOT works closely with the New Mexico State Police and plays a critical role in ensuring the safety of our roads and highways,” said New Mexico State Police Chief Tim Johnson. “The loss of Gerald is a tragic reminder of the dangers that our transportation workers face every day, and our hearts go out to his family."
Johnson reminded drivers to be aware of their surroundings, obey traffic laws and do not drive distracted or while under the influence.
State police are investigating the incident and said alcohol is not believed to have been a factor in the crash.
