According to a report from New Mexico State Police, on April 14 at approximately 12:38 a.m., NMSP investigated a pedestrian that was fatally struck by multiple vehicles on Interstate 25 near milepost 123, south of Socorro.

The initial investigation indicated a pedestrian, Bill Westuk, 85, from Truth or Consequences was struck by a southbound 1999 Toyota Land Cruiser SUV in the right lane of Interstate 25. After being struck, Westuk was struck a second time on Interstate 25, by a 2010 Ford Fusion passenger car which was also traveling south. Westuk sustained fatal injuries and he was pronounced deceased on scene by the Office of the Medical Investigator.

The driver of the Toyota, a 23-year-old female and a 22-year-old female passenger in the vehicle, both from Colorado, sustained unknown injuries. They were both transported by ambulance to an area hospital. The driver of the Ford, a 38-year-old female from Arizona also sustained unknown injuries. She was treated on scene by emergency medical personnel and released. A passenger in the Ford, a 41-year-old male from Arizona was uninjured in the crash. Both driver’s names will not be released at this time as they are not facing charges.

Alcohol does not appear to a factor in the crash and seatbelts were properly utilized by all occupants. This crash is under investigation by the New Mexico State Police.

El Defensor Chieftain