Update: Victim In Anthony Gap Fatal Crash Identified

Reyes Lorenzo Mancinas, 35 was killed after he crashed head-on with a commercial motor vehicle on State Road 404, according to New Mexico State Police officials.

State Police Officers responded to the scene of a two vehicle crash just before 6:30 AM this morning on State Road 404 (also known as the Anthony Gap), milepost 4. Through the officers’ investigation, they learned that Mancinas was driving his 1990 Ford Ranger pick-up truck eastbound on SR 404 and drifted into the westbound lane crashing head-on with a box type commercial motor vehicle.

Just after impact the Ford Ranger burst into flames. Musitano said, the crash happened on a curve and there were no signs of Mancinas taking any evasive action or braking prior to the crash which is consistent with drivers falling sleep at the wheel. According to witnesses, the Mancinas was not moving or responsive prior to the pick-up bursting into flames.

Ricardo Gonzalez, 32, of El Paso Texas, the driver of the commercial motor vehicle was transported to Sierra Medical Center for minor injuries. Mancinas was pronounced deceased on scene by the Office of the Medical Investigator. Seatbelts were worn by both drivers at the time of the crash. It is unknown if alcohol was a contributing factor. Mancinas’ body will be sent to Albuquerque for an autopsy.