Family Of Man Killed In Crash Talk About Dangers Of Drinking And Driving
The family of a man killed in a four-vehicle crash Friday night are not only devastated, but they are upset alcohol is to blame for the loss of one of their loved ones.
Manuel Campos Jr., 42, was one of two men killed in the crash. New Mexico State Police said Ruben Espinoza, 28, of Alamogordo was headed west on U.S. Highway 70 when investigators say he made an improper lane change.
Espinoza’s 2004 Chrysler sedan rear ended a black 2004 GMC pickup. The impact forced both vehicles into oncoming traffic, where they hit one a red 2002 Ford pickup driven by Campos. New Mexico State Police say Espinoza had been drinking.
“I think it’s unfortunate how irresponsible someone can be to take an innocent life,” Campos’ stepdaughter, D’Ana Belmontez said. “I’m going to press charges. I’m taking this to the full extent that I can. It’s not about greed. It’s not about money, but he needs to pay for what he did.”
Campos was riding in the truck with his 10-year-old son, Isaiah Campos. The boy and Espinoza, who received severe injuries and remains in stable condition, were transported by helicopter to University Medical Center in El Paso. Family members said Isaiah slips in and out of consciousness.
“He’ll be screaming, ‘Pop, there’s a car, where are you?'” Belmontez said. “We can’t tell him that he’s not here anymore.”
Campos leaves behind two daughter, a son and one granddaughter.
