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Erratic Driving results in fatal Friday night car crash

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YATAHEY – New information on the fatal car crash that claimed the life of Cree Oceana Silver, 27, of Pinon, Ariz. was made available available by the McKinley County Sheriff’s Office.

The single car crash occurred on Dec. 15 at the intersection of U.S. Route 491 and State Highway 264 in Yatahey.

MCSO Lt. Eric Jim was on highway patrol on the southbound lane of 491 at roughly 6:50 pm when his radar registered a dark passenger car speeding at about 100 mph, according to his written police report.

Jim slowed down and pulled into the median. A New Mexico State Police unit with flashing emergency lights was already in pursuit of the vehicle. Jim turned around onto the northbound lane and assisted with the pursuit.

When Jim arrived at the scene, he noticed a large cloud of dust and debris that had formed under the bridge. He also saw a black passenger car with heavy damage and a missing roof.

One State Police officer described the scene as “gruesome.”

Vehicle pieces of the initial impact right of the roadway were scattered along side the road.

Jim spoke with NMSP Officer Michael Dias at the scene. Dias was northbound when the vehicle passed him at a high rate of speed. Dias pursued the vehicle with his emergency lights and the vehicle then increased its speed.

Silver was reportedly not wearing a seatbelt, according to an initial report from Ray Wilson, NMSP spokesperson. Wilson’s report also indicated that alcohol was likely not a factor in the crash.

The initial investigation revealed that Silver, who was driving a 1996 Volvo, attempted to turn west onto 264 and failed to negotiate the turn and collided into the overpass.

Silver was identified after a black hooded jacket was found on the driver’s side of the 1996 Volvo, containing her driver’s license. No other injuries were reported.

By Deswood Tome

For the Sun

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