Login

Motorcycle ride takes tragic turn: Two Gallup men dead

Print

SAN JUAN COUNTY – New Mexico State Police investigated a double motorcycle crash that resulted in the fatalities of both drivers Sept. 3. The crash occurred at around 4 pm at the intersection of Navajo Route 5 and N.M. State Road 371 (85-mile marker) in San Juan County.

According to a news release issued by NMSP Sgt. Elizabeth Armijo, the initial investigation indicated both motorcycles were riding in tandem on Navajo Route 5. Both failed to stop at the stop sign at the intersection of State Road 371 causing both to crash off the opposite side of the roadway.

Both drivers are believed to have been under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash, Armijo stated in the report.

Both drivers sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced deceased on scene. The deceased are identified as Willie Roy Jr., 56, and Abraham Vining, 43, both of Gallup. Roy owned Speedway Towing and was also the co-owner of Smokey’s restaurant. Vining was a Marine veteran, and a line technician for a local cable provider.

This crash remains under investigation.