Grant County, NM - On September 21, 2019 at around 10:00 a.m. the New Mexico State Police investigated a fatal crash involving a cyclist on State Road 146 near Mile Post 16 north of Hachita, NM

The initial investigation indicated a 2018 Chevy SUV driven by a male (56) of Phoenix, AR, was traveling south on State Road 146 and struck a cyclist who was also riding south on State Road 146.

The male rider of the bicycle, Michael Rachelson (66) of Norcross, GA sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased by the Office of the Medical Investigator.

Alcohol does not appear to be a contributing factor to the crash and there was no shoulder to the road in the area of the crash. The driver of the vehicle who is not currently facing charges will not be immediately identified. The crash is still under investigation and no additional information is currently available.