On September 8, 2018 around 8:30 a.m., New Mexico State Police investigated a fatal crash on US 62/180 near mile marker 86, southeast of Hobbs, NM.

Preliminary information indicates a Ford Mustang was traveling westbound on US 62/180 near mile marker 86 when the vehicle crossed into eastbound lanes of traffic and collided head-on into a Ford pickup traveling eastbound. The driver of the Mustang, Fabian Mendoza (19) of Denver City, TX, was transported from the scene to the Lea County Medical Center where he later died from his injuries sustained in the collision.

A passenger in the Mustang was transported from the scene with serious injuries. The driver of the pickup was also transported for medical treatment.

No signs of alcohol were present on scene. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.