On September 8, 2018, around 6:30 a.m., New Mexico State Police officers investigated a fatal crash involving a semi-tractor-trailer and a sedan on US 285 near mile marker 67, south of Artesia.

Preliminary information indicates a semi-tractor-trailer was traveling south on US 285 near mile post 67 when a Toyota sedan, also traveling south, collided into the rear of the semi.

The driver of the sedan, Ryan Orona (24) of Artesia, NM, sustained fatal injuries in the crash. A passenger in the sedan was transported with injuries. The driver of the semi was uninjured.