Hobbs, NM : Wesley Leija, 18, died after crash on State Road 18 south of Hobbs on Sunday, April 17, 2016

A Hobbs man was killed in an early morning traffic accident on Sunday.

A news release from the New Mexico State Police said Wesley Leija, 18, was a passenger in a vehicle southbound State Road 18 south of Hobbs.

The driver of the vehicle swerved to avoid hitting a dog at around 3 a.m., according to the news release. He then lost control of the vehicle and it rolled several times, throwing Leija out of the vehicle.

Leija was not wearing a seat belt and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The 17-year-old driver was transported to Lea Regional Hospital with injuries, the release stated.

The crash is still under investigation. New Mexico State Police spokesman Sgt. Chad Pierce said alcohol was possibly a contributing factor in the crash.

Source :
One dead after crash near Hobbs