New Mexico Man Killed in Two-Vehicle Collision

A New Mexico man was killed from injuries suffered in a two-vehicle accident Wednesday night.

State police officers responded to the accident, involving involved a 1994 Chevrolet pickup driven by Belia Gutierrez, 49, of Carlsbad and a 2002 Mack tractor trailer driven by Ruben Cordero, 48, of Artesia, around 7:20 p.m. Wednesday.

Andy Gutierrez, 49, of Carlsbad, and a passenger in the pickup was removed from the accident scene and taken to Carlsbad Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the pickup was driving northbound on Illinois Camp Road toward the intersection of State Road 200 when it rolled through the stop sign at the intersection and continued into the roadway, where it was struck broadside by the tractor trailer. The impact of the collision forced both vehicles onto the dirt shoulder on the west side of the roadway, according to the New Mexico State Police release.
Cordero received only minor injuries. Belia Gutierrez was also taken to Carlsbad Medical Center for treatment.

Failure to yield and alcohol use are thought to be contributing factors to the collision. Seat belts were in use by all involved except Andy Gutierrez, the release stated.