Two Dead in Las Cruces Multi-Car Crash

Posted on May 28, 2010
On Friday night, May 7, 2010, a Las Cruces multi-car accident occurred on U.S. 70. There were many vehicles involved, including a semi-truck, but according to police it started with one vehicle making an improper lane change near the Sonoma Ranch exit.

Police said that 28-year-old Ruben Espinoza, the driver of the 2004 Chrysler sedan, was traveling westbound on U.S. 70 and attempted to change lanes. He crashed into a 2004 GMC pickup driven by 30-year old Robert Walters Jr. Both cars got tangled together and slid across the median into the oncoming lanes of traffic.

The GMC pickup and Chrysler sedan were both hit by a semi-truck traveling eastbound. The pickup was flipped over and torn in half after colliding with the semi.  This GMC pickup was then was hit by a 2002 Ford truck.  Both Walters, the driver of the GMC pickup, and 42-year-old Manuel Campos of the Ford truck died at the scene from their injuries.

Isaiah Compos, grandson of victim Manuel Compos, was in the backseat of the Ford truck during the time of the accident.  The 10-year-old boy is in stable condition but sustained serious injuries and was taken to a local hospital for treatment. Also, the driver of the semi-truck, 55-year-old David Hayes was taken to the hospital for minor injuries.

Espinoza suffered severe injuries and was airlifted to a local hospital where he remains in critical condition. Police believe alcohol was a factor in this accident.  Espinoza has not been charged with any crime at this point, but the results of the blood test are still pending.  New Mexico State Police are still investigating this fatal crash.

Our thoughts and condolences are with the victims’ families and friends during this tragic time.